The partnership will see Allianz Partners and Foodbank Australia – the largest hunger relief charity in Australia – host seven market-style events on university campuses across Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.

International students will be able to receive up to $50 worth of food, including fresh fruit, vegetables, pasta, rice and frozen nutritious ready-made meals.

The partnership, aims to help over 3,300 students this year, providing over $120,000 worth of food to students.

The rising cost of living has led international students to rely on charitable organisations

“The rising cost of living has led international students to rely on charitable organisations to meet their most basic needs, emphasising the need for further support,” said Miranda Fennell, executive head of health, Allianz Partners Australia.

“We want to ensure the wider international student community is receiving the support they need so they can focus on their education and fully experience living in Australia.”

“The effects of the cost-of-living crisis are widespread and are felt acutely in our international student community,” Fennell told The PIE.

“Our soon to be released State of Student Healthcare Report identifies that 75% of international students have experienced some form of financial strain with many students reducing their spending to ensure they can meet their financial commitments.”

The market-style events will be hosted at partnered university campuses and international students will be notified about the events through their university, email communications from Allianz Partners, as well as via push notifications through the organisation’s safety, health and wellbeing application partner Sonder.

“International students play a vital role in Australia’s education sector, economy, and society, contributing to its growth, diversity, and global influence,” continued Fennell.

“Supporting the international student community aligns with our values as a country and contributes to our reputation as a welcoming and inclusive destination for students from around the world.”

Foodbank Australia CEO, Brianna Casey highlighted a correlation between hunger and concentration in students.

“We know it becomes more difficult to concentrate and focus when you are hungry which ultimately affects the ability to learn. University is hard enough without having the added pressure of not knowing where your next meal is coming from,” said Casey.

“This partnership with Allianz Partners will enable many university students up and down the eastern seaboard to have access to nutritious food.”

In 2023, a report from the Monash Centre for Youth Policy and Education Practice highlighted a worrying trend of international students going hungry.

The survey of 64 international students in Melbourne and follow-up in-depth interviews with 22 survey participants showed the extend to which this is having an impact on the international student experience in Australia.

“I don’t choose what I want to eat. It’s my wallet that chooses what I want to eat,” said one participant who experienced low food security.

Co-author and international student advocate Agrata Mukherjee said at the time of the report’s release that food is more than a basic need, it is an emotion.

“Especially for international students who live far away from home, being able to eat familiar foods is like revisiting their memories – a connection to cultural roots,” added Mukherjee.

“International students have the right to live a life of dignity without having to suffer due to food insecurity.”