The New South Wales government has partnered with Foodbank to provide emergency food disabilities, including groceries and staples, to international students struggling to access supplies during the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Two out of five charities have seen an increase in the number of international students asking for help with access to food since the Covid-19 pandemic began. This is evident from the Foodbank Hunger Report 2020," said the NSW Treasury Treasury's Assistant Secretary of Commerce and Global NSW Jenny West. The funding for the 62,500 food handicaps is part of the $ 4.1 million allocated to the Foodbank to help ensure food security for vulnerable NSW communities.
“International education is a critical sector for our state, and our international students make such a huge contribution to the metro and regional communities through volunteering and employment, sharing skills and talent, building research relationships, and promoting innovation and entrepreneurship Communities in NSW, ”says Ms. West.
Three out of five seek support for food aid
The Foodbank expects strong adoption and urges international students to accept help after its report found that three out of five people do not seek assistance for the food aid they need.
"International students were among the first to feel the effects of Covid-19," said John Robertson, chief officer of Foodbank NSW & ACT.
"We must continue to ensure that anyone who has trouble putting a meal on the table knows that they can get ongoing support from Foodbank and our distributors."
"The obstacles were a lifeline"
According to Siddhant Acharya, Masters of Media and Communication at Macquarie University, "the obstacles were a lifeline" and a reminder that despite being thousands of miles from home in such a challenging time, he is not alone.
He adds that the obstacles "have benefited thousands of my colleagues" as well.
"I am incredibly grateful for the continued support of the NSW government," he says.
Students wishing to access a basket can do so by completing this online form or by calling Foodbank NSW & ACT on 02 9756 3099 to find the distribution center closest to you.
For more information about the initiative and access to a grocery basket, visit: study.sydney/student-welfare/food-assistance
