Programs and
Projects

Food Insecurity and Financial Literacy Project

To much of the Western world, food insecurity is often framed within the context of the third world and as such, it would be widely accepted that access to adequate food supplies and nutrition is a problem for many of the world’s developing nations. However, food insecurity is rising within developed nations, including Australia and is contributing to devastating generational social and health related impacts for the vulnerable and disadvantaged.

The Food Insecurity and Financial Literacy project will provide a research base, a link to practical resources, advice to government and contribute to increased societal awareness regarding the notion of food insecurity and financial exclusion within the South Australian context, the sociological contributors to food inequality and the importance of food and financial capability as a social determinant of health.

This project will further build upon the Microfinance Development Project and will develop partnerships and coalitions, promote effective practice and foster strategic activities which address food security, healthy eating, improved nutrition and financial capability.

More information can be found here or contact Project Officer, Tom Stead

Electricity Advocacy Project

Low income and disadvantaged consumers have been particularly affected by the deregulation of the electricty market and the endless supply of complex material they are asked to digest in order to make an informed choice. This is particularly true in South Australia, who holds a unique position within the National Electricity Market as the ‘lead legislator’. This makes the need even more critical for the community sector to be an active and empowered force in the market.

The project’s goal is to empower consumer advocates to actively engage in debates and issues that arise in the National Electricity Market. The project produces resources, undertakes consultation and actively seeks to inform consumers of new developments in the electricity arena.

Contact Project Officer Anna Kennett  for more information.

Youth and Business Roundtable

As part of its ongoing work, SACOSS undertakes specific projects that it considers will assist in strengthening the community sector and maintaining diversity within the sector through capacity building. This has lead to SACOSS establishing a Youth and Business Roundtable.
The Roundtable arises from an initiative funded by the Office for Youth to establish roundtables in a range of sectors, to increase young people's engagement with key business sectors within the state. In broad terms, the Youth and Business Roundtables are intended to address the 'brain drain' of young people from the state, and also tackle the issue of youth unemployment in South Australia, by developing strategies to encourage the employment of young people.
Roundtable participants are asked to contribute to a range of activities that will assist them to learn about the community services sector, gain skills and develop networks. Activities include:

• identifying issues and barriers for young people in the sector;
• providing information, advice and views to SACOSS and other sector organisations;
• assisting in the development of strategies to attract and keep young people connected with the sector; and
• networking with organisations within the sector.

Contact Project Officer Anna Kennett  for more information.

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