Feeding Australian children has become even harder as grocery prices rise and the cost of living bites. or signup to continue reading Customers have pointed the finger at the major supermarkets, accusing them of profiting while Australians struggle to pay for basic necessities. Mother of three Julie Amato-Gauci has had to cut back on some of her family's favourite foods as formerly cheap products like osso buco, lamb and other produce soar in price.
"A tomato shouldn't be a luxury item, but it kind of feels like it is," she told AAP. "(Supermarkets) almost have a responsibility to the public - I'm not expecting them to sell premium cuts for a low price - but they need to leave some things for families to access day-to-day. "But their specials are always on junk food.
" Her kids love berries, some of which can cost $7 for a 125g punnet, so to ensure a steady supply, she saves them for her children while leaving the "more boring" fruits for herself. Ms Amato-Gauci has also taken to bulk-buying, but she cannot do it consistently as it is a big hit to her budget in one go. The consequences of the cost-of-living crisis are also trickling into the classroom, according to primary school teacher Julie Wright.
"I'm seeing more and more children turning up without food or with not-healthy food," she told AAP. "I'm quite upset because it affects their learning." Ms Wright tries to bring bananas and apples for her students, even though she has had to cut back on her own spending.
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