A survey of 1380 of the charity’s clients revealed that 69 per cent of respondents admitted getting enough food is a daily challenge. 

The survey also found 66 per cent were living under extreme housing stress, using more than half their income on accommodation. 

Lieutenant Penny Williams of the Bathurst branch of the Salvation Army said housing stress is something she has found to be prevalent among clients in the city.

“I think everyone is just struggling,” she said.

Bathurst clients are often having to make tough sacrifices somewhere to cover the costs of rent and electricity. 

“It is pretty stressful. I think everyone has not been able to provide for their families,” she said.

“We’ve also seen the other side of things where people are buying alcohol and drugs [due to addition] and that takes precedence over providing for their family.

“That of course isn’t everyone, but we do see it.” 

Lieut Williams said the cost of living is rising and that is also putting more pressure on families than ever before.

“We know housing prices and renting prices in Sydney are astronomical and the situation is better in Bathurst, but it is still stressful,” she said. “Everything is going up, but our wages and Centrelink payments are not.”

She said the Salvation Army is also trying to work with other groups in Bathurst to provide food vouchers to people struggling. 

Other statistics from the charity's Economic Social Impact Survey (ESIS) show that children are suffering. 

Approximately one in five households with children cannot afford medical treatment or medicines.

Half cannot afford up-to-date school items, while 56 per cent do not have the money to participate in school activities.

The Salvation Army will hold its Red Shield Appeal on Saturday and Sunday to raise money to support people in need.