Community Partner Story Warm Hearts, Warm Bellies

Warm Hearts, Warm Bellies: The Street Ministry, is a dedicated charity committed to offering support and essential resources to those in the community in need.

Based in Logan, Warm Hearts, Warm Bellies is making a significant difference in the community, providing much-needed food assistance and creating emergency hampers for local families. The need for their services is growing at an incredible rate. As Director Pete Underwood explained, ‘It just went bang.’ Last year, the charity was supporting 500 community members a week, and now this year, they are supporting over 7,000 individuals every week. Foodbank Queensland supports their incredible food relief services and are the main supplier of fresh produce and grocery items for the everyday food relief that Warm Hearts, Warm Bellies provides.

Director Pete Underwood revealed that her inspiration for Warm Hearts, Warm Bellies emerged during a period of incarceration. Her deep commitment to the community stems from her personal experience with homelessness and hunger. The combination of both circumstances drove Pete to create positive change in the community and create a sustainable food service for those in need.

The local area surrounding Warm Hearts, Warm Bellies has seen a rising number of families accessing the service. With the increasing number of young families moving to the area, the WHWB team is dedicated to keeping up with the growing demand.

Warm Hearts, Warm Bellies also provides six local schools in the area with food assistance, providing breakfasts for nearly 5,000 children every week. With Pete’s son as her motivation, she is committed to ensuring kids start their day on the right foot, with a healthy breakfast, she explained, “Kids don’t go hungry when I’m around.”

Pete couldn’t run this operation alone and relies on the support of incredibly selfless volunteers. Volunteer Ashley became involved when she was approached by Pete who lived nearby and offered assistance. “She noticed I was pregnant with my daughter, and she would bring me food. It really helped.”Ashley joined the charity to pay the kindness forward, and together they keep the pantry full for those needing assistance.

“Without finding Warm Hearts, I would never have found what I love doing now, ensuring no one in our community goes hungry.” – Ashley

The Directors of the adjoining Kids Early Learning Browns Plains have generously offered Warm Hearts, Warm Bellies the use of a temporarily vacant space to operate from. Staff at the early learning centre Bec and Merrybel, share a deep passion for feeding community members who are facing food insecurity. “By offering this service to families, it takes away that stigma that some have when they are struggling financially. There is no stigma here,” Bec explains.

Upon entering the Centre, you’ll find a vibrant Community Pantry stocked with fresh fruit, bread, and children’s snacks collected from Foodbank Queensland’s Food Distribution Centre. This essential food is accessed daily by parents and carers of the children who access the service. “We don’t know if anyone is struggling at home, but having a pantry that’s always stocked up with items like broccoli, lettuce, wraps and pasta means they have the ability to make meals for their children at home.” – Merrybel

Inclusion and accessibility are at the heart of WHWB, with Pete sharing, “In my past, I didn’t feel comfortable to go near anyone because of the way I looked, and was always getting judged, so I decided to become that person who people could approach.”

Pete shares the heartbreaking reality of how the cost-of-living crisis continues to impact local families and the elderly. She has witnessed people rummaging through bins behind supermarkets, and understands how many feel there is no help available. But Pete explains that, “You don’t need to get to the point where you’re going through the bin. I’ve seen families do it. Our message is to come with us, and we will feed you.”

Warm Hearts, Warm Bellies hosted a Community Food Drop in Browns Plains to assist community members going hungry. With the support of Foodbank Queensland, Warm Hearts, Warm Bellies filled a carpark with cartons of food and ready-made meals from FareShare, a service that uses rescued food to create nutritious meals. The dedicated team welcomed over 200 local families to the Community Food Drop, distributing much needed food, and over 900 FareShare meals to those experiencing hunger.

Pete recalls a woman who attended the Community Food Drop and volunteered to serve those waiting in the long lines. Afterward, she confided that she had recently lost her job and required food to support her family, yet she insisted on ensuring everyone else was fed before herself.

When the team learned of her situation, they made sure she left the event with a hamper brimming with fresh produce and protein. ‘No one should ever feel ashamed or embarrassed to ask for food. It’s here for everyone who needs it.” – Pete

If you are in a position to help Foodbank Queensland provide more food across the state to support Queenslanders in need, please consider joining the fight against hunger as a regular giver.

The 2024 Foodbank Hunger Report shows close to700,000 Queenslanders are suffering through lack of healthy and nutritious food

Close to 700,000 Queensland households can’t put enough food on the table to stay healthy, happy and out of hunger.

The Foodbank Hunger Report shows Queenslanders are feeling the bite when it comes to finding sufficient food to feed themselves and their families.

Foodbank Queensland CEO Jess Watkinson said the Hunger Report findings showed a critical need for more to be done to alleviate food insecurity.

“1 in 5 Queensland households skipped meals or scrimped on their serving sizes in the last 12 months because of severe food insecurity,” Ms Watkinson said.

“Food insecurity is being felt more acutely in regional areas, with 36% of regional households facing food insecurity in the last 12 months, compared with 28% in metropolitan areas.”

“Knowing where to find food relief support has increased from 36% last year to 47% this year. This is a glimmer of hope that those going without are finding out and accessing food relief; however, this shows that Foodbank Queensland’s role is more critical than ever.”

Key Queensland statistics:

Close to 700,000 Queensland households have experienced food insecurity in the last 12 months, meaning they aren’t eating quality, variety, or desirable food.

1 in 5 Queensland households have experienced severe food insecurity in the last 12 months, meaning they are reducing serving sizes of meals or skipping eating.

Nearly half (44%) of Queensland’s low-income households (earning less than $30,000 per year) are experiencing food insecurity.

Over 1 in 5 (22%) Queensland households with an income of more than $95,000 are food insecure.

More than 1 in 4 (26%) of mortgage holders in Queensland experienced food insecurity in the last 12 months.

Food insecurity is being felt more acutely in regional areas (36%) compared to metropolitan areas (28%).

Awareness of food relief support in Queensland is growing with 47% of food insecure households knowing where to seek food relief support in the past 12 months compared to 36% in 2023.

Amazon Teams Up with Australian Red Cross and Foodbank Queensland to Boost Disaster Preparedness Across Queensland

Queensland has received significant support for its disaster preparedness, with Amazon Australia launching a new network of six Disaster Relief Supply Points in Cairns, Wangetti, Townsville, Rockhampton, Dalby and St George. Developed in partnership with Foodbank Queensland and Australian Red Cross, these Disaster Relief Supply Points contain critical supplies that can be dispatched quickly to regional communities when a disaster hits.

Queensland is Australia’s most disaster-prone state and has been hit by almost 100 natural disasters in the past decade1. From today, all six Disaster Relief Supply Points will be operational across Queensland, storing over 55,000 emergency items including toiletries, blankets, tarps, first aid kits and non-perishable food items. These items have been packed into kits by Amazon volunteers and pre-positioned ready for fast and efficient collection and distribution by various organisations, charities and local disaster groups. Distribution will vary dependent on the type of disaster and response required.

Amazon Australia has worked closely with Foodbank Queensland to identify and engage partner organisations embedded in these local communities to store these supplies until they are needed. The collaboration between organisations like Australian Red Cross and Foodbank Queensland supports the timely and efficient mobilisation of essential items to ensure the delivery of supplies to where they are needed most.

Amazon uses its data expertise alongside insights from its non-profit partners to identify the relief items most commonly needed on the ground when a disaster strikes. Wherever possible, products have been sourced and purchased from Amazon Australia’s small and medium sized business selling partners including Nakie, Little Urchin, Bunji, Zenify, Joonya and Juuni.

Items stored within the Disaster Relief Supply Points have been shipped to regional Queensland from Amazon Australia’s existing Disaster Relief network, located in Amazon’s fulfilment centres in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. The Amazon Disaster Relief network in Australia currently stores more than 250,000 emergency items.

Amazon’s Community Lead, Charlotte Richardsonsaid: “Typically, Amazon Australia’s Disaster Relief network aims to provide emergency supplies to disaster zones within 72 hours, but this can be more challenging for regional and remote residents. By pre-positioning items within regional and remote communities, locals can rest assured the charities supporting them when disaster hits have much faster access to emergency supplies than if they were sent from Brisbane or Sydney.”

Australian Red Cross Queensland Director, Collin Sivalingum said:“Our partnerships, such as the one we have with Amazon Australia, enable us to be there for everyone, always. Right now, as part of our seasonal preparedness activities, Australian Red Cross is working closely with local government authorities to build capacity in accessing essential items and support communities impacted by disasters. These new Amazon Australia Disaster Relief Supply Points, established across regional Queensland, will play a key role helping our collective efforts towards being there for Queenslanders during disasters at a time when they need us most.”

Foodbank Queensland Chief Executive Officer, Jess Watkinson said: “Foodbank Queensland is incredibly thankful for our partnership with Amazon Australia, which allows us to locate supplies and be able to immediately support communities on the road to recovery. With the opening of these new locations across regional Queensland, we will be able to reach more people quickly in times of crisis and we are grateful to our partners across the state for providing the storage locations for these much-needed supplies.”

Disaster Relief Hubs are a signature part of Amazon Australia’s local community relief efforts. Since the devastating 2019-20 bushfires, Amazon Australia has sourced and dispatched more than 700,000 relief items through 15 disasters including bushfires, floods, cyclones and COVID outbreaks.

Queensland Food Relief Providers Call for Minister for Food to Tackle Growing Food Insecurity Crisis

Foodbank Queensland has joined forces with leading charities OzHarvest, SecondBite and FareShare and to call for the establishment of a dedicated Minister for Food as the state grapples with an escalating food insecurity crisis.

The move, which would be an Australian-first, aims to address the complex and mounting challenges facing the food system and ensure every Queenslander has access to safe, nutritious and culturally appropriate food.

The collective efforts of Foodbank Queensland, OzHarvest, SecondBite and FareShare provide a lifeline to millions of Queenslanders, distributing more than 22 million kilograms of food and grocery relief each year, equivalent to a staggering 46 million meals. 

Yet the sector is struggling under an unprecedented surge in demand driven by the cost-of-living crisis and natural disasters.

Foodbank Queensland Chief Executive Officer Jess Watkinson said a Minister for Food would provide the focus and coordination needed to ensure that food security is a top priority for the state government.

“The number of Queenslanders struggling to put food on the table is reaching alarming levels – 1 in 5 households each year to be exact. We need a coordinated and strategic approach to address the root causes of food insecurity and build a more resilient food system for the future,” Ms Watkinson said.

“This groundbreaking role would be an Australian first, demonstrating Queensland’s commitment to tackling food insecurity head-on. The Minister would oversee the development of a food relief strategy and investment plan, coordinate government responses and drive efforts to reduce food waste across the state.

“A dedicated Minister would also be in line with recommendations from the House Standing Committee on Agriculture report Australian Food Story: Feeding the Nation and Beyond, which investigates Australia’s food security amidst challenges such as climate change, biosecurity threats and supply chain disruptions.”

OzHarvest Queensland Manager, Michaela Windsor said urgent action was long overdue to address this ongoing issue in the state.

“Nearly 70% of the charities we support say they desperately need more food to meet demand. There are so many new people seeking food relief for the first time in their lives – some have to line up for over two hours to receive fresh fruit and vegetables,” Ms Windsor said.

“In a country that produces enough food to feed everyone, this should not be happening. Queensland has the opportunity to lead the way and tackle these issues head on with a Minister for Food.”

The Queensland food relief sector has also called for the establishment of a food systems taskforce, to better ensure Queenslanders have access to healthy food in sufficient amounts, and the development of a food relief strategy and investment plan.

“A thorough food relief plan is essential to help ensure the food relief sector remains adequately resourced for the short-term, while planning is undertaken for medium and long-term investment,” Ms Watkinson said.

The food relief sector is urging all political parties to commit to these priorities in the lead-up to the state election so every Queenslander has access to the food they need to thrive.

Community Partner Story

The Rock Family & Community Support

Founded in 2001, Foodlink, operated by The Rock Family and Community Support Inc., helps hundreds of families each month. Assisting families and individuals, the team at Foodlink works hard to ensure that no one in their community goes hungry. They help these families and individuals by providing essential food parcels and support to those in need, as they state,

“Our mission and aim are to provide care for families, youth, or anyone who is under financial pressure from daily living in the Redlands area and beyond.”

Supported by The Rock Christian Church, local donations, and as a Foodbank Member Charity, Foodlink operates with compassion, providing nourishment to all, regardless of circumstance.

“No prerequisites, no barriers. Our doors are open wide, embracing everyone seeking support, without conditions or strict requirements.”

With dedication and heart, they assemble a minimum of 50 parcels of essential goods each week, serving as a lifeline to those in need. Lucy, Foodlink Manager explained:

“One week’s busier than the other with the pension week. We do emergency relief parcels as well… we have helped a lot of people.” – Lucy

Open on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9am to 2pm, hampers are ordered online and are collected at the Foodlink centre. Priced at $50, these large hampers include many essential groceries including protein, fruit and vegetables, bread, cereals, pasta and sauces. The variety and quantity of each hamper is impressive. Foodlink recognises that people’s dietary preferences and restrictions vary. To overcome this obstacle, they’ve implemented a compassionate system that allows people to select their preferred foods from a regularly updated list.

Foodlink’s outreach extends to young families, offering vital support, especially during this cost-of-living crisis. Rachel*, a grateful mother of five, shared that: “(The hamper) will last us about a week for a family of five. The fruit and veg, I don’t have to get anything else from anywhere else. The bread, I get enough for us, and I give some to my grandfather who can’t drive and my mum as well.”– Rachel*

Her heartfelt gratitude echoes the impact of Foodlink’s efforts and displays the profound impact the centre is having on the Redland community.

Rachel’s testimony also highlights the importance of addressing both immediate needs and nurturing a supportive community among those in need. Many who are faced with choosing between paying a bill or food can find relief and comfort in knowing centres like Foodlink exist, as Lucy explained, “There are a lot of young families that once they come in and once, they see that parcel, they just start to cry. Because they’ve got nothing, no food. Especially people with children. We see, people coming in and they’re just blown away.”

With Foodbank’s assistance, Foodlink can access a diverse range of essential items, enabling them to tailor their hampers to meet the specific needs of individuals and families in their community “We really appreciate Foodbank.” – Lucy

As the demand for their services grows, Foodbank Queensland calls upon the community to join the fight against hunger. Through regular giving and support, together, we can ensure no one in Queensland goes without a meal.

If you are in a position to help Foodbank Queensland provide more food across the state to support Queenslanders in need, please consider joining the fight against hunger as a regular giver.

Community Partner Story Global Care Bundaberg

In a city known for its famous ginger beer, rum, and sugarcane, a silent epidemic is happening. Hunger.

Fighting this unseen epidemic is The Citicoast Pantry, a not-for-profit initiative of the Citicoast Church and Global Care. Their goal is to love and support the local community of Bundaberg. They’re doing exactly this through their storefront that stocks a wonderful variety of low-cost groceries and household supplies.

This low-cost grocery space has no barriers to entry, everyone and anyone is welcome to shop at The Citicoast Pantry. Each week, great savings and weekly specials can be found on a variety of groceries and fresh produce. To stock this pantry, The Citicoast Pantry works with a number of food rescue organisations and local businesses. One such organisation that has been there from the start is Foodbank Queensland.

In 2011, following the devastating floods that impacted the Bundaberg region, many displaced residents were in desperate need of assistance. Citicoast Church came to the rescue, providing food and shelter for many.

“Citicoast was one of the major points of operation as far as getting food and necessities out to families that were displaced from the flood. At that stage, we were solely operating out of the church. We opened the church and cleared out the pews. We put food out on tables every week.“ – Pastor Adam

During this emergency, Foodbank Queensland was pivotal in supporting Citicoast with the products their community desperately needed. After seeing an ongoing need in the community, Citicoast Church decided that the Bundaberg community needed, “something substantial and permanent.” – Pastor Adam

And so, The Citicoast Pantry was officially created. After renovating their shed, The Citicoast Pantry is a place where individuals and families can shop with dignity while grabbing some incredibly low-cost groceries. Store Manager Charissa explained:

“Our approach ensures that people have access to food without relying on handouts. This helps to restore dignity while also filling a need. Offering food at a low price not only improves their well-being, but also helps them save money, meaning they can afford more expensive items when needed.” – Charissa

Open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 10am to 2pm, The Citicoast Pantry serves over 100 people per day, but this figure is rising. They have steadily seen an increase as the cost-of-living pressures continue to impact people who have never felt the pinch of their wallet before, Charissa explained:

“Many families are facing challenges right now, especially those with school-aged children, who are struggling these days due to a lack of support.” – Charissa

The Citicoast Pantry also supports Foodbank Queensland’s School Breakfast Program. This sees The Citicoast Pantry collect school breakfast staples such as cereal, tinned fruit and UHT milk from Foodbank Queensland. Schools across Bundaberg collect these products from The Citicoast Pantry for their School Breakfast Program’s to ensure that students start their day with a nutritious meal, promoting better focus and performance in their studies.

On top of this, the Citicoast Pantry provides 40-50 emergency hampers per month, for individuals and families who are in desperate need. These hampers hold not only food and essentials but also hope. The hope that with a full stomach, and one less thing to worry about, individuals and families can get back on their feet.

That’s exactly what service users of The Citicoast Pantry are achieving, with many coming back to share with Charissa and the team how they have helped.

“We were able to provide ongoing food support to a gentleman throughout his struggling years, and he is now returning with friends. He’s secured a house and has said to us, ‘I’m going keep shopping with you and I’ll continue to support you for all that you have done for me.’”- Charissa

This service provides both food and connection for many throughout the Bundaberg region. As Pastor Adam expressed, “It gives us inroads into lives that we might not have had access to without the food. Offering someone a helping hand and putting something in their fridge for them, is a connect point.”– Pastor Adam

Many service users The Citicoast Pantry is now servicing are homeless or homeless insecure who are in jobs and are working but are still unable to meet the increased rent. On top of this, the rental crisis in regional Queensland means there are just not enough houses available to rent. To make ends meet, Citicoast Pantry is doing all that they can to help the Bundaberg community. By supporting Foodbank Queensland, you are also supporting organisations like The Citicoast Pantry, as Charissa explained:

“We get to see the tears of relief when people realise they can access affordable food at The Citicoast Pantry. Without the donations to Foodbank, many people would have nothing on their table most nights. We see it in their faces, it truly means the world to them.”– Charissa

As the demand for their services grows, Foodbank Queensland calls upon Queenslanders to join the fight against hunger. Through regular giving and support, together, we can ensure no one in Queensland goes without a meal.

If you are in a position to help Foodbank Queensland provide more food across the state to support Queenslanders in need, please consider joining the fight against hunger as a regular giver.

Community Partner Story Impact Food Outlet

The Impact Food Outlet, led by Darryl, Mari-shell and their dedicated team at Impact Community Services, stands out from the busy Pacific Highway. The Food Outlet was started in partnership with Foodbank Queensland six years ago. Campus Pastor Mari-shell shares the story of filling her small car’s backseat with a tuckerbox esky filled with food from the Foodbank Distribution Centre in Morningside. Mari-shell would then travel back to Impact Community Services multiple times a week to restock the pantry, supporting those facing hunger with nutritious food.

From these humble beginnings, the Impact Food Outlet has grown into a crucial resource providing food to over 18,500 people every year. Food Outlet Manager Darryl shares that the Outlet offers heavily discounted groceries for those in need, restoring dignity while offering companionship and a sense of belonging for thousands in the greater Logan region. Every day, Impact volunteers skillfully manage challenges to ensure that no one in their community goes hungry or without support.

“Foodbank has empowered us to do this. It’s all happened from a seed to form all of this, which is amazing!” Impact’s Lead Pastor Tony shares.

What began as a service operating just two days a week has grown to serve the community five days a week, with customers travelling from the local area and as far as Gatton.

“We’re more than feeding people, we’re getting involved and helping people through support services, counselling, finances and financial management, payment of bills, domestic violence, unplanned pregnancies and arranged marriages.” – Tony.

Darryl shares that everyone who enters the Impact Food Outlet has a story, and the team ensures they are heard and support is offered, emphasising the profound impact of offering food with no judgment, only warmth. The community supported through the Impact Food Outlet know it isn’t just about feeding people through affordable groceries. Impact Food Outlet is about nourishing souls, bridging divides, and fostering a community where everyone feels valued and supported.

“There is no judgement, there is no stigma, and everyone is welcome.” – Darryl.

Impact Community Services is proud of the positive outcomes they have achieved through their years of selfless service. In partnership with Foodbank Queensland, they are having a significant impact in addressing food insecurity in the local community.

They assist elderly community members to find purpose in volunteering, ease the burden of single parents who visit, and provide food and groceries to those facing cancer or have mounting medical bills.

Pastor Mari-shell recently assisted a mother through the domestic violence crisis care at Impact Community Services, who was living week to week with three children to feed.

Mari-shell shares, “She said it’s safe, nonjudgmental and she is just so appreciative of what we can do.”

Tony continued, “We don’t want people to feel a sense of shame; we want them to feel normal and just be able to come and make use of everything that we have here.”

Tony continues, “All of that came as a result of this little shop starting.”

Working in partnership with Foodbank Queensland has made a difference for the local community.

Your generosity makes an incredible difference far beyond what you could imagine for the people of Logan, and beyond. Just incredible.” – Tony.

If you are in a position to help Foodbank Queensland provide more food across the state to support Queenslanders in need, please consider joining the fight against hunger as a regular giver.

Community Partner Story Lovewell Foundation

The Lovewell Café in Mount Gravatt is a bustling social enterprise, providing opportunities for women experiencing hardship. A sign at the entry to the café reads, Every sip of coffee here contributes to a woman’s ability to stand tall, rebuild and thrive within their community.

It’s a sanctuary of second chances for women throughout Brisbane.

Second chances come with expectations, and meeting these expectations ensure women at Lovewell succeed while participating in the Foundation’s support programs. Women who seek refuge and renewal at the Lovewell Foundation are overcoming addiction, abuse, among other challenges.

As a Foodbank Queensland Member, Lovewell Foundation provides crucial support including food for emergency and crisis packs, ensuring these women have the resources needed to rebuild their lives.

Annie, the passionate Director of Lovewell, speaks of the support given to women through Foodbank Queensland, including the importance of non-food items that restores dignity when at their lowest.

“Items like shampoo and toothpaste are expensive. Women in the Lovewell Foundation are still in crisis or have nothing,” says Annie.

While some women are shunned by their family and friends, they maintain connections with their pets who have a profound role in their recovery.

“It is so important they have their pets, many of our women have lost their children for a period of time. For those who have gone through trauma, dogs are so important to them,” Annie says.

Foodbank Queensland provides pet supplies including pet food and kitty litter, products that play a crucial role in supporting Lovewell women and their beloved animals.

Annie shares that food provided by Foodbank Queensland has enabled the creation of a special program focused on teaching women how to cook with just four basic pantry ingredients. This initiative was designed not only to equip women with essential cooking skills, but also to increase their independence and confidence. Additionally, the meals prepared by the women under the guidance of the Lovewell Café team were distributed to other women in need. This approach provides practical skills and nourishment, as well as furthering the supportive cycle of giving and receiving within the Lovewell community.

The success stories are inspiring; one woman who was given her last chance has since turned her life around and now contributes back to the Lovewell community.

“It’s about building a new tribe, because everyone needs a tribe. You don’t need to wear that label anymore, because you’re here,” says Annie.

Annie shares her own experiences, having personally dealt with domestic violence and single motherhood. Despite facing significant challenges, Annie’s story is about surviving and maintaining hope while raising her child on her own. “I lived for a reason”, she shares.

Sunflower Place, an initiative of Lovewell Foundation, provides a path forward for women facing crises across Brisbane. Offering financial workshops and employment training, these programs provide vulnerable women with essential skills to pursue meaningful careers. At the Lovewell Café, women receive training and employment opportunities in a supportive community where they have the confidence to rebuild and thrive. In the Better Futures Program, women participate in practical workshops to plan their future, guided by mentors with similar lived experiences.

Annie emphasises that the success of program participants hinges on hard work, punctuality and collaboration. As the women of Lovewell forge paths of empowerment and recovery, Lovewell stands as a testament to transforming adversity into opportunity, with every sip of coffee and every compassionate gesture.

“This is my dream because this is now full circle. These programs are now supporting other women and it is incredible that they have rebuilt their lives and have got employment that they feel they can now give back,” says Annie.

As a Member of Foodbank Queensland, Lovewell Foundation is supported through food and pantry items that significantly impact women in crisis. When asked on the impact of food relief through the generosity of Foodbank Queensland donors, Annie shares, “It makes a difference. Even though these women may not know who you are, you are significant in their lives and journey, and we thank you.”

If you are in a position to help Foodbank Queensland provide more food across the state to support Queenslanders in need, please consider joining the fight against hunger as a regular giver.

The Surprising Group Facing a Lack of Food in Australia

International students in Australia are increasingly facing shortages of fresh, healthy and nutritious food as they battle ongoing food insecurity, according to Allianz Partners.

Statistics from Allianz Partner’s inaugural State of Student Healthcare Report reveal more than a third of international students in Australia can’t afford to eat fresh fruit and vegetables – despite contributing a whopping $34 billion into Australia’s economy each year.

Allianz Partners Executive Head of Health, Miranda Fennell emphasised the importance of supporting the hundreds of thousands of people coming to Australia to study each year.

“We know 74% of students are experiencing financial pressure. The rising cost of living can leave these bright minds, who contribute so much to our educational landscape, going hungry,” Ms Fennell said.

“At Allianz Partners, we believe in fostering a strong and inclusive community and have a long history of supporting students in those moments that matter while studying in Australia,” Ms Fennell said.

Allianz Partners partnered with Foodbank Australia, the nation’s largest food relief organisation, to tackle this issue.

Foodbank Australia Chief Executive Officer Brianna Casey AM said Australia is a popular place to study but visiting students were facing mounting challenges as the cost of living continued to soar.

“We know the number one reason Australian households struggled to meet their food needs is the cost of living crisis1, and it is no different for international students studying in this country,” Ms Casey said.

“Many are a long way from home and don’t have that support network in place to ensure they have access to healthy food options on a regular basis. We know that many Australians who need help, aren’t seeking help, because they may be too embarrassed to reach out or they feel someone deserves it more,” Ms Casey said.

In July, Allianz Partners and Foodbank Australia launched the first international student food market at UNSW, one of eight activations at university campuses across

Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. The partnership will provide essential food supplies and raise awareness about the diverse faces of food insecurity.

The markets will offer access to a variety of nutritious offerings including fresh fruit and vegetables and pantry products. Each student will be able to access a number of nutritious food products at no cost.

By shining a light on the hidden struggle of international students facing food insecurity, Foodbank Australia and Allianz Partners hope to raise awareness about the diverse faces of food insecurity and encourage dialogue and support for international students.

MARKET DATES AND LOCATIONS
August 27 – University of Queensland, St Lucia Campus, Brisbane
September 12 – Holmesglen Institute, Chadstone Campus, Melbourne
October 3 – Monash University, Clayton Campus, Melbourne
October 10 – James Cook University, Townsville
October 23 – Australian National University, Acton Campus, Canberra

Community Partner Story Access Street Vans

It’s special to experience a moment of clarity as to your life direction and purpose. That’s exactly what Pastor Russell experienced in 1993 when visiting Bath, England. While there, Pastor Russell came across a woman who needed help. Speaking with her, Pastor Russell had an epiphany and recognised his
calling in life, helping others.

For the past 25 years, Pastor Russell and his wife Betty have been doing precisely that with Access Street Vans. Located in Mansfield, Access Street Vans stands as a beacon of hope and compassion. As a Member Charity of Foodbank Queensland, Access Street Vans dedicates its efforts to providing food relief and encouragement to those in need.

Picture this: everyday Queenslanders just like you, your family, or your friends, facing tough times. They’re cold, hungry, and scared, seeking refuge wherever they can find it. But thanks to Access Street Vans, help is on the way.

Access Street Vans serve as a lifeline for individuals and families facing food insecurity across Brisbane. Their goal is simple yet impactful: to help turn people’s lives around for the better.

Each week, the Access Street Vans team drives vans out to different parts of Brisbane and shares meals and prayers with those in need. Every Wednesday, their successful ‘Adopt-a-Pensioner’ program is run to support 20 to 30 individuals with food parcels. This program’s goal is to bring hope and dignity to Queensland’s older generation. All of this is provided free of cost.

The need for organisations like Access Street Vans is undeniable. From providing meals to those experiencing homelessness to supporting pensioners, their impact reaches far and wide.

“We give the food out to anybody and everybody. Whatever religion they are, we have no limitations, everyone’s equal.” – Pastor Russell

Access Street Vans’ 20-year-old partnership with Foodbank Queensland strengthens their ability to make a difference. Through this collaboration, they gain access to essential groceries, enabling them to help even more people in need throughout Brisbane.

But Access Street Vans is more than just a provider of food. They represent the spirit of community and care. Volunteers and supporters play a crucial role in their mission, coming together to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.

“It’s a privilege for me and my wife to do what we’re doing.” – Pastor Russell

Pastor Russell’s efforts and selfless actions were recognised in 2009 when he was awarded Brisbane Citizen of the Year. However, it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. In 2019 they faced a setback when an Access Street Van was stolen from their Mansfield hub. Never to be returned, Pastor Russell, his wife, and volunteers rallied, determined to recover.

The sight of an Access Street Van navigating the streets of Brisbane serves as a reminder of how simple acts of kindness can transform people’s lives. So, the next time you see an Access Street Van in your neighbourhood, take a moment to reflect on the importance of their operations.

They are more than just vehicles delivering food; they are symbols of hope, unity, and the unwavering commitment to ensuring that no one in Brisbane goes hungry. As a member of Foodbank Queensland, Access Street Vans stands as a beacon of light in the fight against hunger.

If you are in a position to help Foodbank Queensland provide more food across the state to support Queenslanders in need, please consider joining the fight against hunger as a regular giver.