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This study assessed the quantity and quality of food consumed by Australian Capital Territory and Perth women living in poverty from July to October 2017. Sixty-six women, recruited through charitable food organizations, participated in one-on-one interviews and 24-hr dietary recall. Overall, diet quality was poor. Daily energy intakes ranged between 96 kJ-11450 kJ. 75% of women consumed below the minimum energy requirement for their age. Daily serve recommendations and Estimated Average Requirements for calcium, iron and potassium were not met. Urgent action is needed from government, health, food, and community sectors to address the ongoing challenges faced by women experiencing food insecurity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This qualitative study explores the barriers to food security for vulnerable women from the perspective of charity managers within the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Region. Interviews were conducted with six charity managers. Analysis of charity's perspectives identified nine themes across two overarching areas: barriers to charity providing food security services (charity accessibility, inter-charity support and charity reliance on donations) and barriers to women attaining food security (income, accommodation type, transport, women's attitudes and beliefs, stigma/trust and food literacy). Understanding the barriers to women's food security is essential in addressing the underlying social and economic issues creating food insecurity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This qualitative case study explores food insecurity, provision and quality within three food relief organizations that provide meals in metropolitan Australia. Interviews were conducted with a manager, staff member, and volunteer from each food relief organization (n = 9). Observational data were gathered over five days to record food preparation, service, and client/staff relationships. Four themes emerged from interview data: 1) donations and budget restrictions, 2) food provision and access, 3) food quality, and 4) food as a tool for dietary and social support. Although food relief organizations experience many challenges to addressing individual's food security, food was a conduit for initial contact, building trust, and facilitating client access to support services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Food security is defined by four dimensions: food availability, access, utilisation and stability. Resettled refugees face unique struggles securing these dimensions and, thus, food security when moving to a new country. This systematic review aimed to identify the challenges Australian refugees experience in achieving the four dimensions of food security. Methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed; the SPIDER tool was used to determine eligibility criteria. Three databases were searched using terms relating to food in/security and refugees from 2000 to 20 May 2017. Results: Seven articles were retained for analysis. Studies were categorised against the four dimensions, with four studies identifying challenges against all dimensions. Challenges contributing to high levels of food insecurity in each dimension included: availability and cost of traditional foods, difficulty in accessing preferred food outlets, limited food knowledge and preparation skills and food stability due to low income and social support. Conclusions: Food insecurity adversely impacts refugee health and integration. Methodical research framed by the four dimensions of food security is imperative to address challenges to securing food security in refugee groups and assisting in the development of sustainable interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]