Thirteen per cent of Border people are living in poverty, with 18 per cent of those under the age of 15, according to a North East community service group.
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Uniting Goulburn North East executive officer Jennifer Sleep said the demand for emergency food relief services remained high all year round, not just at Christmas.
"We are seeing a rise in people experiencing financial stress, poor mental health, family violence and alcohol and other drug issues coming to our services for help," she said.
Uniting's annual Food for Families campaign, launched this month, aims to raise 70 tonnes of non-perishable food and toiletries.
Donations can be dropped off at Uniting offices in Albury, Wodonga and Wangaratta as well as WAW Credit Union service centres in Albury, Beechworth, Chiltern, Lavington, Myrtleford, Wangaratta, Wodonga and Yackandandah.
Contributions will be distributed in the Border and North East.
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Uniting Vic Tas chief executive Bronwyn Pike said it was unacceptable that in 25 years of Food for Families, the cost of living had risen dramatically.
"As an example, between 2006 and 2016 private rental costs rose nearly twice as much as wages and since 2000, the cost of childcare has increased 97 per cent," she said.
"The continuous rise in the cost of living without an increase in welfare benefits is causing families and individuals to struggle to pay for essentials.
"We need to enter the new decade with a new approach to tackling hardship in Australia."
Uniting said the Target Christmas Appeal offered another way to help families in the community.
More details at foodforfamilies.org.au.
