Melbourne’s growing cost-of-living crisis intensifies the financial strain on its residents, with rising housing prices, increasing rent, and high-priced everyday expenses. With inflation impacting everything from energy bills to groceries, the cost of essentials continues to climb and make it difficult for many to keep up. As a result, more individuals and families need to turn to community support services to help make ends meet.
To help households combat the cost of living crisis, Hare Krishna’s Food For Life program and Crossways Restaurant offer food relief in Melbourne. These initiatives provide free and low-cost meals to anyone in need, as we believe it is our mission to give food and support to our local community. Through these efforts, we strive to ensure that no one in Melbourne has to go hungry, regardless of their circumstances.
The Growing Cost of Living Crisis in Melbourne
The Australian Bureau of Statistics measures the cost of living using the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which averages common expenses like rent, mortgages, groceries, transport, healthcare, utilities, and more.
Melbourne’s CPI showed an annual rise of 2.5% from 2024 to 2025, reflecting the inflated cost of essential needs and services. Housing affordability remains a key concern, with rental prices and mortgage repayments increasing due to higher interest rates. Along with the rising prices of groceries, energy bills, and transport, this financial strain on Melbourne households makes it harder to maintain their standard of living.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that food and non-alcoholic beverage prices in Australia rose by 3.3% in the 12 months leading up to January 2025. This increase is higher than Melbourne’s overall CPI rise of 2.5% during the same period. Rising production, transport, and labour costs continue to push food prices higher, which continues to exacerbate Melbourne’s ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
Hare Krishna Food For Life
At Hare Krishna Melbourne, we believe no one should have to go hungry. For decades, we’ve been providing free and low-cost meals to those in need, standing by our community through crises big and small.
Our Food For Life kitchen, based at our temple in Albert Park, serves free meals three times a day, seven days a week. Whether you’re in need of a warm breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you are always welcome to join us. Meals are served in the Prasadam Hall upstairs from the Temple Room.
Beyond our temple, we bring food directly to the community. Every Sunday evening from 5pm, we distribute free meals at the South Melbourne Market. You’ll find us at the corner of Cecil and Coventry streets, ready to serve anyone who needs a nourishing meal.
All our Food For Life meals are vegetarian and may contain dairy, nuts, and/or gluten. If you have any dietary requirements, please let us know so we can do our best to provide suitable food for you. No matter your circumstances, we’re here to help. If you need a meal, Hare Krishna Melbourne will always offer you a place at our table.
Crossways Restaurant
At Hare Krishna’s Crossways restaurant, we serve affordable, all-you-can-eat vegetarian and vegan meals in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. Crossways is more than just a restaurant. It is a welcoming space where anyone can enjoy wholesome, nourishing food, no matter who you are.
Open Monday to Saturday, from 11:30am to 8:00pm, we serve a rotating daily menu that brings variety to your plate. Every meal includes two courses and a drink, with no extra charge for seconds.
At Crossways, we believe that no one should go hungry or feel left behind. Since opening our doors in 1983, we’ve been a hub of community, connection, and spirituality, ensuring that you will find a hearty meal and a welcoming space here.
Food Relief Melbourne
Melbourne’s cost-of-living crisis continues to put pressure on households, with rising food prices adding significantly to the financial burden. As essential expenses remain high, Hare Krishna’s mission is to help feed and support our local community through times of need with our Food For Life program and Crossways restaurant.
Donate to Food For Life Melbourne
Hare Krishna Melbourne is committed to supporting those facing the challenges of Melbourne’s rising cost of living. Food For Life is a volunteer-run program, relying on the generosity and support of donors and volunteers to continue providing meals to those in need. Any assistance you can offer or donations to Food For Life Melbourne is deeply appreciated.
