Mortgage-holders are seeking out food assistance charities at record rates.

A recent survey by NAB shows four in 10 Australians are experiencing financial difficulty, struggling to cover the cost of groceries and their mortgage.

It’s the highest rate since before the pandemic.

Home loan customers are the fastest growing demographic of people turning to Foodbank, a charity which provides free and low-cost foods.

Online searches for food assistance have more than quadrupled since interest rate hikes began in May.

Rates are expected to jump again on Tuesday, likely by 0.25 per cent.