Politicians, chefs, churches, service clubs, family and friends took a bracing winter dip in June to mark the Winter Solstice and raise money to support many struggling Tasmanians finding themselves unable to access safe and nutritious food, especially during the current cost-of-living crisis.
The annual Loaves and Fishes Tasmania Solstice Splashes were held at Greens Beach and Kingston Beach recently.
Loaves and Fishes is the state’s largest local emergency food provider.
They aimed to raise $80,000 from two swims to help deliver safe, nutritious food when people need it most.
This year’s swims provide support for expanding food production and collectively producing 9000 meals per week for Tasmanians.
With their initial contribution of $50, Splashers also gained sponsorship support to brave the icy Tasmanian waters for a three-minute Winter Solstice dip.
The UTAS Tasmania Project Cost of Living Survey showed one-in-two Tasmanians are skipping meals, buying food on credit, and reducing or cutting out fresh fruit and vegetables due to budget pressures.
Loaves and Fishes CEO Andrew Hillier said while the swims were meant to be a fun community event, they were designed to produce some discomfort so participants could identify with those who are frequently cold and hungry.
“A record number of Tasmanians are going without food, sometimes for days, due to cost-of-living pressures,” he said.
“Many of those who are finding themselves hungry and needing help for the first time in their lives have jobs, but simply can’t keep pace with rising food, rent and mortgage costs.
“Then there are those who are chronically disadvantaged, those relying on inadequate welfare payments, who suffer from sickness, have disabilities, and are homeless or sleeping rough.”
Loaves and Fishes partnered with Kingston Beach Surf Lifesaving Club and Launceston Surf Lifesaving Club for the annual Solstice Splashes.
