Referring to Australia as the ‘Lucky Country’ is an ideal of the past, says The Salvation Army, in response to a dramatic new survey showing Aussie children are skipping meals and are unable to afford medication when sick.

A new survey of 1380 Salvation Army clients across the nation paints a very bleak picture of what life is like for a huge number of struggling Australians.

The Salvation Army's national Economic Social Impact Survey (ESIS) reveals a staggering 69% say getting enough food to eat is a daily challenge, revealing the heartbreaking reality that Australian children are going hungry.

The Salvation Army's ESIS 2017 shows 66% of respondents are living in extreme housing stress and use more than half their income on accommodation expenses. As house prices continue to climb in Australia, The Salvation Army is seeing the flow-on effect – rent increases that are pushing low-income families into homelessness.

The survey reveals single parents with children are the worst affected when it comes to the cost of living – surviving off just $14.35 per day. 36% of all households say they can't afford any kind of medical treatment and 34% are unable to afford the medicines they need from a doctor. Yearly dental check-ups are also off the table.

A staggering two in five clients cannot afford fresh fruit and vegetables every day (39%) and nearly one in four cannot afford three meals a day for their children (23%).

Other statistics include:

When respondents run out of money:

• 56% cut down on basic necessities.
• 54% borrow money from family/friends.
• 49% are unable to pay or delay paying bills.
• 45% go without meals and 31% sell/pawn their belongings.

For households:

• Approximately, 1 in 5 households with children cannot afford medical treatment or medicines; half cannot afford up-to-date school items and 56% do not have the money to participate in school activities.
• Almost 1 in 3 households do not have either a computer or tablet, such as an iPad (31%).

The Salvation Army is calling on Australians to give generously to this year's Red Shield Appeal in order to raise the vital funds needed to give hope where it‟s needed most.

In a typical week, The Salvation Army provides 100,000 meals, 2000 beds for people experiencing homelessness, up to 8000 grocery vouchers, and refuge for 500 people fleeing abuse.