Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has joined volunteers to serve a Christmas meal to vulnerable Sydneysiders, and acknowledged those Australians who are doing it tough at what should be a joyful time of year.

Mr Albanese spent the morning the same way he does every year, at the Ashfield Uniting Church in his inner-western Sydney electorate with Reverend Bill Crews.

Reverend Crews runs the Exodus Foundation which provides free meals to thousands of homeless and disadvantaged Australians every week, including Christmas lunch.

"Christmas can be a time where people celebrate with their family and friends, a joyous time," Mr Albanese said at the event.

"But for others who've lost loved ones over the year, it can be a difficult time as well.

Mr Albanese also acknowledged the people who are recovering from floods and the effects of the pandemic, and he encouraged neighbours to check in on one another.

"We can't fix it overnight but what we can do is to work on solutions."

NSW Labor leader Chris Minns also attended the foundation's Christmas lunch, and acknowledged the distressing number of people who were in need.