International students facing rising living costs will continue to receive food assistance on university campuses after Allianz Partners renewed its partnership with Foodbank for a further three years, extending a program that has already supported more than 12,000 students across Australia.
The renewal was announced at Murdoch University in Perth on Thursday, marking one year since the Foodbank International Student market stall program expanded into Western Australia.
The market stalls now operate across Queensland, New South Wales, the ACT, Victoria, Western Australia and South Australia, with the latter joining the program this year.
Since the partnership began in 2024, 20 on-campus market stalls have distributed more than 110 tonnes of fresh produce and pantry staples to students at 12 tertiary institutions. In Western Australia alone, almost 2,000 students received more than 12 tonnes of food and essential items through two market stalls after the program expanded into the state in 2025.
Allianz Partners Executive Head of Health Miranda Fennell said the company saw the partnership as part of its responsibility to support students beyond health insurance.
“Allianz Partners is proud to renew our partnership with Foodbank for a further three years,” Ms Fennell said, adding, “For us, this is about delivering more than insurance. It’s about making a genuine difference in the day-to-day lives of the students we support.”
Ms Fennell said the company’s latest Food Insecurity Impact Report showed many international students continued to struggle with everyday expenses. “Our latest Food Insecurity Impact Report highlights the significant challenges many international students continue to face. The report found that 84% worry about having enough food to eat, while 80%have skipped meals or eaten less due to financial constraints.”
The food program forms part of Allianz Care Australia’s support services for international students, alongside on-campus wellbeing teams and access to the Sonder mental health, safety and wellbeing app, which is available in more than 240 languages and provides eligible overseas student health cover policyholders with around-the-clock access to nurses, mental health first-aiders and safety responders.
Murdoch University Director of Student Wellbeing Simon Walters said international students made an important contribution to campus life but often faced unique pressures while studying away from home.
“International students are a valued part of the Murdoch community, but we also recognise that studying in a new country brings challenges, particularly when students are navigating financial pressures, building new support networks and being far from family and familiar sources of support,” Mr Walters said.
He said the university offered a range of wellbeing services, including an International Mental Health Practitioner and social programs such as the International Café at The Den. “Partnerships like this one are welcomed as they help ensure students feel supported and connected to a community that cares while addressing practical challenges such as food insecurity.”
Foodbank WA chief executive Kate O’Hara said the demand for food relief continued to grow across many parts of the community, with students increasingly seeking support.
“Food insecurity doesn’t discriminate, and university students, particularly those far from home and their usual support networks, are more vulnerable than many people realise,” Ms O’Hara said.
The renewed agreement will see the market stall program continue over the next three years as universities and community organisations respond to ongoing cost-of-living pressures affecting international students across Australia.
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
