Thousands of people are going hungry in the world's most liveable city, as Melbourne's charities reveal they are being forced to "ration" food donations due to overwhelming demand.

A Melbourne City Council report has found that "food insecurity" is no longer exclusively a problem for the homeless, but is afflicting up to 7 per cent of the city's adult population.

Community groups are finding it impossible to cope with the demand for food. Credit:Penny Stephens

It estimated that between 3500 and 7500 people worry about running out of food, eat less so their supplies last longer or have to choose between meals or paying their bills.

Fairfax Media has also learnt: