Serving more than stays: The Ascott Limited’s commitment to feeding Australia

Food insecurity has reached crisis levels, 69 percent of single-parent households in Australia struggling to put meals on the table, The Ascott Limited is stepping up to make a difference.

The global serviced residence and hotel leader has launched a three-year partnership with Foodbank Australia, committing $50,000 in funding and in-kind contributions to support families in need.

Announced at The Ascott’s 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD) event, this initiative will harness the power of Ascott Australia’s 126 properties—including Quest Apartment Hotels, Citadines, lyf, and Oakwood—to help provide meals and essential resources to those facing hardship. With 3.4 million Australian households experiencing food insecurity, this partnership aims to deliver real impact through volunteering, food donation, and fundraising initiatives.

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A partnership with real impact

Managing Director of The Ascott Limited Australasia, David Mansfield, officially launched the partnership by presenting a donation to Foodbank Australia CEO, Brianna Casey AM. The donation will enable Foodbank to source the equivalent of 30,000 meals for vulnerable Australians.

“Our partnership with Foodbank Australia 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.

Through this collaboration, Ascott Australia will implement key initiatives to support Foodbank’s mission:

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

• Fundraising events and community initiatives: Organised efforts to generate funds and awareness.

• Dedicated Volunteering Days: Ascott employees will assist in Foodbank warehouses in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth during March and April.

• Accommodation support: Foodbank staff traveling for work will be accommodated in Quest Properties across Australia.

Addressing an urgent crisis

Food insecurity in Australia has reached a critical level, with millions struggling to put food on the table. One such individual is Tracy, a Foodbank beneficiary from Western Australia, who shared how the organisation has supported her family over the years.

“As a single mum with a young family, making ends meet isn’t easy. Thankfully, Foodbank has been there for me in one way or another over the years,” Tracy said. “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.”

Inspired by the support she received, Tracy has since pursued a career that allows her to give back to the community, volunteering at a local charity to help others in need.

A shared commitment to social responsibility

Foodbank Australia CEO Brianna Casey AM highlighted the importance of corporate partnerships in tackling food insecurity: “Foodbank is incredibly grateful for The Ascott Limited Australia’s generous support, which will enable us to source thousands of additional meals in 2025 for the many people across the country doing it tough right now.”

“With the cost-of-living crisis continuing to impact household budgets, we know good food becomes a discretionary item and is often dropped from the shopping list. Partnerships like this are extremely vital,” Casey added.

Anthea Dimitrakopoulos, General Manager of Brand and ESG at The Ascott Limited Australia, reinforced the company’s commitment to making a difference: “At Ascott Australia, we understand that the rising cost-of-living crisis has left many Australians struggling to meet their most basic needs, including access to food.”

“With many families facing food insecurity for the first time, we believe it’s a crucial time to step in and make a difference. Ascott Australia will leverage its extensive network of properties, people, and resources to help alleviate this pressing issue. Together, with Foodbank, we can provide a lifeline to those in need, ensuring no one has to go without.”

As The Ascott Limited continues to strengthen its corporate social responsibility efforts, its partnership with Foodbank stands as a testament to the company’s dedication to supporting Australian communities in need.