Australian food security pulse check - April 2026

The conflict that has erupted in the Middle East has been described by the International Energy Agency (IEA) as the “largest [oil] supply disruption in history”. One immediate result is that fuel prices in Australia have risen sharply and food prices are now rising.

At this time of unprecedented change, Sustain: the Australian Food Network is working with our partners and stakeholders across the country to uphold a shared commitment to secure and dignified access to good food for all Australians at all times, regardless of their circumstances.

The Federal government is working on this very matter right now, with the development of Feeding Australia, the National Food Security Strategy.

To support this process and consistent with our commitment to community-led change, we have created this short survey to understand sentiment and experiences in the community at this time of challenge and crisis, as well as provide community members with the opportunity to say what action(s) they want the Federal government to take.

The survey should take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. Responses will be anonymous and the data will be used solely for the purposes of informing public debate and seeking policy change to support vulnerable Australians, including primary producers and residents of rural, regional and remote communities.

This survey is conducted in accordance with our Privacy Policy, which you can view on our website.

The survey will close on 30 April 2026. Data analysis, report writing and dissemination of the survey is being conducted with financial support from Australian Food Network member organisation, Box Divvy.