The Salvation Army have released shocking new research highlighting the desperation of Australia’s most vulnerable people, with the survey of those who reached out to the charity for help finding over half (55 percent) were skipping meals because of financial hardship, 57 percent could not afford prescription medication and almost a quarter (23 percent) were forced to eat expired or spoiled food.

For families with children, the situation is even more dire, with 62 percent of parents saying they went without food so their kids could eat, 43 percent couldn’t afford essentials like formula and nappies for their young children, and over a third (36 percent) struggled to cover the costs of basic non-prescription medications like paracetamol or ibuprofen.

“I'm extremely depressed," a 30-year-old mum who had received support from the Salvos said.

"I feel like I am failing as a mother.

"I'm a public servant and still cannot provide.

"I have considered quitting my job to save on the cost of petrol, parking, childcare, etc.”

Another community member said they had been taking measures to try and cut down on costs for both themselves and their baby.

“I just drink water to fill up my tummy," they said.

"And the milk for the baby, for example, one bottle is for four scoops of milk, I always put two scoops in every bottle.

"I don’t use nappies for the baby because I can’t afford to buy nappies for her.

"And also, when we wash our clothes, we are not using soap, I can’t afford that.”

Over a third (35 percent) of responders said they were forced to use buy now, pay later services to cover essentials like food, utilities and medicine, and a disturbing 83 percent were living below the poverty line.

The research surveyed 3,586 community members who had received food, financial assistance or material aid from The Salvos and found that 90 percent of respondents said they wouldn’t have managed without the support of The Salvation Army.

“It is truly shocking in a country like Australia that we are seeing these devastating numbers," The Salvation Army's Major Bruce Harmer said.

"No one should be forced to eat expired food or to eat out of rubbish bins.

"The fact that over one in twenty - 6 percent - of those we surveyed said they were eating from dumpsters breaks our heart.

"Those presenting to us are some of the most marginalised and disadvantaged in our community, and the Salvos are there to not only bridge the gap, but to walk alongside Aussies doing it tough to see real change in their lives, and we need the support of the Australian public to help us do this.”

A 43-year-old mum said it is a balancing act that could topple over at any time.

“I go without and try to give my children what they need," she said.

"I have payment plans with electricity so my power does not get turned off…I buy the same food every week because that’s all I can afford.

"I haven’t eaten meat in many months.

"I have to use Afterpay to get washing powder and food.”

A 62-year-old woman told the Salvation Army that she is cutting down on her medications and food.

"[I’m] going without meals," she said.

"I eat only one small meal a day now.

"I’ve cut down on my medication, only taking half of my meds.

"I have considered eating dog or cat food.”

The level of hardship also extends to an inability to pay for utilities and bills.

According to the Salvation Army 43 percent of participants revealed they often showered less to save on water and electricity, one in five (20 percent) were living in darkness to cut electricity costs and one in eight (12 percent) relied on public bathrooms and shopping centres to avoid using utilities at home.

This research coincides with The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal, this year aiming to raise $38 million to ensure their 2000 services across the country can continue to support Australians doing it tough.

“The Salvos can’t do our work without the generosity of the Australian public to our Red Shield Appeal. Our survey showed that 9 in 10 respondents said they wouldn’t have managed without the support of The Salvation Army," Major Harmer said.

"You can be the hope that Aussies desperately need right now!

"So please, if you are able, donate to the Red Shield Appeal this year.”

To donate to The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal, please visit salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS. You can also donate at any Salvos Store.