Townsville, Wednesday 15 October

A major Australian partnership is taking a new approach to ‘food for thought’, recognising that food is essential to learning. 

Allianz Partners is joining with Foodbank Australia and 11 universities across the country to deliver basic grocery items to 7,000 international students this year. 

The International Student Market Stall series visited Townsville’s James Cook University on Wednesday 15 October, coinciding with ‘Power Up Day’ - a fun and relaxing event, helping students recharge before exams. 

Volunteers from Foodbank Australia and Allianz Partners handed out pantry staples, such as rice and pasta, and fresh fruit and vegetables. 

Among the group of students was Kyndal from the USA, who moved to Australia this year to study zoology. 

“There should never be any stress or anxiety about being able to afford dinner,” said Kyndal. 

“Uni shouldn’t feel like survival. You should be able to live comfortably and focus on your studies.” 

Executive Head of Health at Allianz Partners, Miranda Fennell, said the market stalls are about creating a positive impact for international students. 

“For us, it is making a personal connection with our customers, and delivering more than just insurance,” said Ms Fennell. 

“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.” 

Ms Fennell recognised the incredible work of their university and agent partners, not only for the Allianz Partners Market Stalls series, but in supporting students throughout the year. 

JCU Vice Chancellor, Professor Simon Biggs, said universities go far beyond education. They are communities, offering year-round support for all their members. 

“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’, Prof Biggs 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 Chief Operating Officer Saul Martinez, said the country’s largest provider of food relief was proud to partner with Allianz Partners and Australian Universities to ensure students had access to nutritious food.

“Reliable access to healthy, culturally appropriate food is a basic human right - no matter where someone lives or what challenges they face,” said Mr Martinez.

“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.”

 About Allianz Partners International Student Market Stall Series

Allianz Partners is partnering with Foodbank Australia and 11 universities to support 7,000 international students in 2025.It builds on the successful 2024 series, which reached 4,500 students at 8 universities. The Market Stall series supports existing assistance measures adopted by Universities to address the wellbeing of all students.  

Press contact

Michael Coombes

Media and Communication Director

Elevate Communication

0418 884 855

michael@elevatecom.com.au

About Allianz Partners

Allianz Partners is a world leader in B2B2C insurance and assistance, offering global solutions that span travel insurance, mobility, assistance, health insurance and employee benefits. Customer driven, our innovative experts are redefining insurance services by delivering future-ready, high-tech high-touch products and solutions that go beyond traditional insurance. Our products are embedded seamlessly into our partners’ businesses, sold through intermediary channels or directly to customers through the Allianz brand. Present in over 75 countries, our 21,900 employees speak 70 languages, handle over 72.5 million cases each year, and are motivated to go the extra mile to offer peace of mind to our customers around the world.