Tasmania urgently needs a new approach to food security

Following the announcement of a federal election on May 3rd, Loaves and Fishes Tasmania—one of the long-standing contributors to Food Secure Tasmania—is calling on the incoming Federal Government to make a strategic, place-based investment in Tasmania’s food security system.

There is more than enough food to feed Tasmanians. Let’s make sure everyone can access it.
Support the now. Build for the future.

Many Tasmanians are doing it tough.
The rising cost of living is pushing tens of thousands into food insecurity, with 1 in 2 Tasmanians facing some form of food insecurity. Working families, students, older adults, renters, and single parents are increasingly turning to food vans, hampers, and community meal services. For many, the struggle to afford enough food is becoming a daily reality.

Local organisations are responding with extraordinary commitment—but we know short-term fixes are not enough. We are calling on the new Federal Government to act now to build a long-term, fair, and sustainable food system that ensures no Tasmanian is left behind.

We know that old systems of providing support to just our emergency relief agencies are no longer fit for purpose, and we must invest in a whole-of-system approach to address this crisis. Tasmania has the capabilities and expertise to develop a strategic, community-driven approach to food resilience.

Carl Saunder, Chair of Food Secure Tasmania and State Manager of Eat Well Tasmania, echoed this need for bold action:

“As one of the various members of Food Secure Tasmania, we see this federal election as an opportunity for bold, visionary leadership to address this crisis. We call on the elected government to be bold in working with the sector to make real change.”

“This includes taking a local approach to create lasting solutions that will provide fresh, healthy food to all Tasmanians. Our state has the required amount of food, expertise and systems ready to create change within our sector, which will take the pressure off our emergency food relief providers and build legacy projects and initiatives—so those needing food can access it locally, with dignity, and without the burden of relying on others 365 days a year.”

We need bold, coordinated investment to ensure a more efficient, and locally led food security system.

Loaves and Fishes Tasmania is calling on the Federal Government to:

• Invest directly in Tasmanian organisations delivering food relief and building community food resilience.
• Co-invest with the Tasmanian State Government to support Tasmania’s Food Relief to Food Resilience Strategy, which champions community-led, sustainable solutions.
• Fund local infrastructure, logistics, skills training, and procurement systems that get food where it’s needed—affordably, consistently, and with dignity.

This is not about a lack of food—it’s about a lack of access.

Each year, hundreds of tonnes of fresh, high-quality food is grown across Tasmania. The challenge lies in connecting this food with the people who need it most. Doing so requires investment in systems that:

• Deliver immediate relief to those that need it the most,
• Create training and employment pathways,
• Support Tasmanian producers and regional supply chains,
• Reduce food waste and promote environmental sustainability.

This is not about charity—it’s about equity, community wellbeing, and economic resilience.

Tasmania has the partnerships, the plans, and the will to lead. What’s needed now is a matching commitment from the Federal Government—recognising food security as both a social justice imperative and a smart long-term economic investment.

Loaves and Fishes Tasmania calls on the incoming government to match the investment of the Tasmanian State Government in the state’s new Food Security Strategy Food Relief to Food Resilience, which is due to be re-launched in the coming months.

We stand ready to partner.
Let’s ensure that all Tasmanians—regardless of income, postcode, or circumstance—can access the food they need to live, grow, and thrive.

– Andrew Hillier
Chief Executive Officer
Loaves and Fishes Tasmania