nib helps OzHarvest provide food relief to international students during COVID-19

Around 54,000 meals will be provided to international students struggling to make ends meet during COVID-19 thanks to a new OzHarvest initiative supported by nib health funds (nib).

A $52,000 donation from nib will support OzHarvest’s Hamper Hubs which are offering food relief hampers and frozen cooked meals to international students throughout Sydney over the next three months.

nib Chief Executive – International Visitors, James Barr said the partnership comes following the identification of gaps in support during COVID-19 for university students studying away from their home country.

“We recognise that many international students are experiencing a unique set of challenges including struggles with financial certainty during this difficult period,” Mr Barr said.

“This small contribution to supporting the ongoing health of students experiencing hardship is designed to give them a helping hand while also reminding them that we are thinking of them and their welfare,” he said.

OzHarvest NSW State Manager, Richard Watson said there has been a drastic increase in demand for food relief following the impact of COVID-19.

“Food relief is at an all-time high and we’re seeing more and more vulnerable members of our community, including international students, seeking emergency support for the first time as a result of the pandemic,” Mr Watson said.

“The hampers provide a range of fresh and nutritious produce, pantry staples and delicious cooked meals made weekly by OzHarvest chefs as well as our hospitality partners,” he added.

Limited to one per household, the free food relief hampers are available at pop-up locations across Sydney with students simply needing to register through their education provider to receive the registration link and unique code. 

The OzHarvest support is part of nib's COVID-19 member and community support package
and commitment to ensuring communities across Australia are supported during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information about the Hamper Hubs please visit events.ozharvest.org/hamper.