I’m a single mum – soaring rents and cost of living drove me to ask for help with caring for my family

‘Food prices have gradually increased: first by 20c, then 50c, then sometimes over a dollar. This doesn’t seem like a lot, but when you add it up overall it is absolutely huge.’ Photograph: Supplied

I run a really tight budget. There are no takeaway meals; there is no lavish spending.

But the cost of food is through the roof, we are in the midst of a rental crisis, and it took me six months to qualify for any government support.