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The surprising group facing a lack of food in Australia
As the cost-of-living crisis continues to ravage households across the country, it’s difficult to assess each and every demographic to respond to changes in demand for assistance.
Thanks to Allianz Partners’ inaugural State of Student Healthcare Report, they can reveal that what seems like an often-overlooked groups of people are really struggling. Their report reveals that more than a third of international students in Australia can’t afford to eat fresh fruit and vegetables – despite contributing a huge $34 billion into Australia’s economy each year.
According to statistics from Allianz Partners, 74% of students are experiencing financial pressure and are increasingly facing shortages of fresh, healthy and nutritious food as they battle ongoing food insecurity due to the cost-of-living crisis.
To combat this growing crisis, Allianz Partners partnered with Foodbank Australia, the nation’s largest food relief organisation, to tackle this issue country-wide.
In July last year, 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 provides essential food supplies and raises awareness about the diverse faces of food insecurity.
The first university food market day in WA was held at Murdoch University in mid-April and assisted almost 600 students. More than 4000 kilos of fruit, vegetables and nonperishables were distributed on the day.
Foodbank WA experienced a 15% increase in customers in the last quarter compared to the same time last year – households are struggling, and it is no different for international students studying here, many of who are a long way from home and their support networks.
The markets offered access to a variety of nutritious offerings including fresh fruit and vegetables and pantry products. Each student was also able to access a number of other 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 we hope to raise awareness about the diverse faces of food insecurity and encourage dialogue and support for international students.
Watch this space for more university food market days in WA and around Australia.