Ascott Australia Joins Forces with Foodbank to Combat Hunger on International Women’s Day

Foodbank

This International Women’s Day, hospitality giant The Ascott Limited has taken a powerful step in the fight against food insecurity by partnering with Foodbank Australia. With 69% of single-parent households experiencing food insecurity in 2024, this collaboration aims to provide vital support to the 3.4 million Australian households struggling to put food on the table.

Unveiled at Ascott’s 2025 International Women’s Day event, this three-year partnership will leverage the company’s extensive network of 126 properties across Australia, including Quest Apartment Hotels, Citadines, lyf, and Oakwood. Ascott has pledged to contribute $50,000 in funding and in-kind support to Foodbank’s hunger-relief efforts.

A Commitment to Fighting Hunger

Foodbank is Australia’s largest hunger-relief charity, dedicated to ensuring that vulnerable individuals and families have access to nutritious food. To kick off the partnership, Ascott Limited Australasia’s Managing Director, David Mansfield, presented an initial donation that will enable Foodbank to source the equivalent of 30,000 meals for those in need.

“This partnership reinforces our commitment to living out our values of care and hospitality while making the lives of millions of Australians, both guests and others, more comfortable,” said Mansfield. “Thriving communities are key to our success, and we are proud to invest in initiatives that have a real impact on the wellbeing of everyday Australians.”

How Ascott Australia Will Support Foodbank

Ascott’s contribution to Foodbank’s mission will extend beyond financial donations, incorporating hands-on involvement through:

• Annual Winter Food Drive: Participating Quest, Citadines, lyf, and Oakwood properties will collect staple goods for local Foodbank branches.

• Fundraising Events & Community Initiatives: Various activities will be organized to raise awareness and funds.

• Dedicated Volunteering Days: Staff will assist in Foodbank warehouses across Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth throughout March and April.

• Support for Foodbank Staff: Quest Properties across Australia will provide accommodation for Foodbank employees traveling for work.

Addressing a Growing Crisis

For many, access to food has become a daily challenge. Tracy, a Foodbank beneficiary and single mother from Western Australia, shared her experience:

“As a single mum with a young family, making ends meet isn’t easy. But thankfully, Foodbank has been there for me and my family in one way or another over the years,” Tracy explained. “When I first accessed Foodbank, I had a newborn and a one-year-old and urgently needed food and toiletries. They helped us then, and they’re still helping us today whenever money is tight.”

Tracy’s experience highlights the profound impact Foodbank has on individuals and families, inspiring her to give back through volunteering at a local charity.

A Partnership That Makes a Difference

Foodbank Australia CEO Brianna Casey AM expressed gratitude for Ascott’s support:

“With the cost-of-living crisis continuing to impact household budgets, we know good food often becomes a discretionary item, dropped from the shopping list. Partnerships like this are extremely vital to ensure that no one in Australia goes hungry.”

Ascott’s General Manager of Brand and ESG, Anthea Dimitrakopoulos, reinforced the company’s commitment to social responsibility:

“With many families facing food insecurity for the first time, we believe it’s a crucial time to step in and make a difference. Leveraging our extensive network of properties, people, and resources, we aim to provide a lifeline to those in need and support a more nourished, stronger future for all.”

Looking Ahead

Ascott Australia’s partnership with Foodbank aligns with its broader social impact initiatives, including past collaborations with Hotels for Trees, Accessible Accommodation, and the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks women’s team to promote sustainability, accessibility, and equity. By addressing food insecurity, Ascott is taking a meaningful step toward building stronger communities and ensuring no one is left behind.

As the cost-of-living crisis continues to challenge many Australians, this partnership stands as a beacon of hope—demonstrating how businesses can play a pivotal role in driving positive social change. With Ascott and Foodbank joining forces, thousands of meals will reach those who need them most, offering relief and resilience to communities across the nation.