News Healthy Cities Australia part of new taskforce launched to tackle food insecurity in the Illawarra Shoalhaven With the cost of living continuing to rise and many families feeling the pinch, a new regional initiative has been launched to take coordinated, community-led action on food insecurity in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven. The Illawarra Shoalhaven Food Futures Taskforce brings together local leaders, researchers, health professionals, and community organisations to ensure everyone in our region has access to healthy, sustainable, and culturally appropriate food. Healthy Cities Australia is proud to be part of this important collaboration, with our very own CEO Kelly Andrews and Fair Food Coordinator Grace Potter representing the organisation on the taskforce. Why this taskforce matters Recent research led by Professor Karen Charlton and Dr Katherine Kent from the University of Wollongong paints a concerning picture of food insecurity in our region. The Let’s Talk About Food survey, which gathered input from over 700 households in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven, found: 38% of households experienced food insecurity in the past year, with 12% severely affected Among families with children, 30% of parents or caregivers said they were worried or unable to afford balanced meals for their kids Alarmingly, over 70% of people surveyed at community centres reported experiencing food insecurity, including their children A united response In response to these findings, the newly formed Taskforce will work across sectors to develop practical, long-term solutions. Their focus includes: Strengthening local food production Improving distribution networks Increasing access to affordable, nutritious food Advocating for systemic change through local and state policy The group also aims to revisit and revitalise the Illawarra Regional Food Strategy (2013–2019), with the goal of embedding food security into planning and policy across the region. Selena Stevens, CEO of RDA Illawarra Shoalhaven and Taskforce member, says: “Our goal is to create an enduring food system which equitably supports the health, well-being and social cohesion of our community. Access to food—or lack thereof—has many implications on the individual strands in our region’s economic fabric.” Dr Katherine Kent, who co-led the research, adds: “For too long, the scale of food insecurity in our region has been underestimated. This survey has given us local evidence and a clear mandate for action.” Meet the Taskforce The Taskforce brings together a powerful mix of lived experience, academic insight, community voices, and policy expertise: Professor Karen Charlton, University of Wollongong Dr Katherine Kent, University of Wollongong Ms Suzanne Pickles, University of Wollongong Mr Alemayehu Gebramium, University of Wollongong Ms Donna Rogers, Community Industry Group Mr Ash Castro, Warrawong Resident Forum Ms Susan Wallis, Good360 Ms Kelly Andrews, Healthy Cities Australia Ms Grace Potter, Healthy Cities Australia Ms Selena Stevens, RDA Illawarra Shoalhaven Ms Leah Marley, RDA Illawarra Shoalhaven What’s next? The Illawarra Shoalhaven Food Futures Taskforce is calling on community members, local businesses, and all levels of government to join this vital mission. By working together, we can build a more resilient, fair and sustainable food system—one that nourishes not just individuals but our entire region. Stay tuned as we share updates.