Charities report drop in food donations

Australian charities are reporting a drop in donations and a sharp increase in demand for services, so they are calling for food, clothing and cash to bridge the rapidly widening gap.

New figures on homelessness show government policies have failed to make much of a dent.

With Christmas just over a week away, a national crisis is emerging among Australian charities.

They are reporting a sharp increase in demand for services. But donations are down considerably.

And that has prompted calls for food, clothing and cash to bridge the rapidly widening gap.