A simple bag of groceries can make a world of difference for students far from home. This week in Townsville, that message came to life as Allianz Partners joined forces with Foodbank and 11 Australian universities to provide essential food items to international students.
At James Cook University (JCU), the International Student Market Stall coincided with the university’s Power Up Day on 15 October—a day designed to help students unwind and prepare mentally for exams. Volunteers from Allianz Partners and Foodbank filled bags with staples such as rice, pasta, and fresh produce, creating both a sense of relief and connection.
Among the hundreds of students who stopped by was Kyndal from the United States, who moved to Australia earlier this year to study zoology. “There should never be any stress or anxiety about being able to afford dinner,” she said. “Uni shouldn’t feel like survival. You should be able to live comfortably and focus on your studies.”
The Market Stall initiative is part of a broader effort to support student wellbeing at a time when many are struggling with the rising cost of living. Allianz Partners’ Executive Head of Health, Miranda Fennell, said the aim was to make a meaningful difference in students’ lives.
“For us, it is making a personal connection with our customers, and delivering more than just insurance,” Ms Fennell said. “Our State of Student Healthcare report found 30% of international students regularly skip meals because groceries are so expensive. These pop-up stalls offer very real and tangible support, but just as importantly, they let students know that we understand what they’re going through and that we care.”
Fennell also praised the ongoing cooperation of universities and education agents across Australia. “The success of the Market Stall series wouldn’t be possible without our university and agent partners, who share our commitment to student wellbeing,” she said.
JCU Vice Chancellor Professor Simon Biggs welcomed the initiative, calling it another example of how universities are expanding their role beyond academics. “We were delighted to welcome the International Student Market Stall to our Bebegu Yumba campus in Townsville as part of JCU’s Power Up Day,” he said. “JCU offers a number of programs to support our students right throughout the year and our students’ wellbeing is always front of mind.”
Foodbank Queensland’s Chief Operating Officer, Saul Martinez, said food insecurity is an issue that reaches across demographics but can hit international students particularly hard. “Reliable access to healthy, culturally appropriate food is a basic human right—no matter where someone lives or what challenges they face,” Mr Martinez said.
“The pressures of university life are tough enough without the added stress of food insecurity, which is why we’re proud to partner with Allianz Partners on the International Student Market Stall Series to support students. Through this series of events, thousands of university students will receive nutritious groceries, helping to ease immediate pressures and make food relief more accessible for everyone in Australia.”
The partnership between Allianz Partners and Foodbank began in 2024, when the first Market Stall series reached 4,500 students across eight universities. With the initiative now expanding to 11 universities and 7,000 students in 2025, it marks a growing recognition that food security is essential for learning and wellbeing.
Each grocery bag represents more than just a meal—it’s a small act of care that reminds students they are seen, supported, and part of a larger community while studying in Australia.
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