Struggling with the weight of two loaded bags of groceries, Erry walks from the market stall beaming.
“It’s so great!” she exclaims.
Erry is from Jakarta, Indonesia. She’s come to Australia to study mechanical engineering. Two years into her degree, she confides it can be tough to budget for groceries.
“Sometimes, when I’m on a really tight budget, I just buy some tuna cans because they’re two bucks and I eat it with instant rice.”
Erry works part-time in restaurants and food trucks to pay the bills, but when she has assignments or assessments, she cuts back on work to concentrate on her studies. That’s when she resorts to more affordable options like tuna and rice.
But today, she can’t stop smiling.
She queued, alongside hundreds of other international students for a simple, yet effective food relief program. This year, we’re funding 12 market stalls at universities across Australia. In partnership with Foodbank Australia, we’re easing the financial burden for over 5,500 students by giving out pantry staples as well as fresh fruit and vegetables at no cost.
“I really appreciate the effort of having Foodbank at uni, because for me as a student, groceries are something I struggle with weekly,” says Erry.
“This is very helpful, because I think all of this would probably cost me $50 to $80 if I went to the grocery store. So, this will probably cover a week or two for me. It’s just really amazing.”
Her smile is matched by Jacelyn from the Solomon Islands. She’s studying a Masters in Food Science, but knows there’s an art to putting food on the table within budget.
“Sometimes I’ll skip a meal in the morning,” says Jacelyn.
“It’s not because I’m wanting to be on a diet. We have to budget our allowances.
“To have this is really good, it means a lot. That’s why you see all the smiles around here.”
The smiles are shared between the recipients of the food and those handing it out. They are all volunteers from Foodbank or Allianz Partners.
Camilla would normally be sitting at a desk, specialising in digital marketing for Allianz Partners. Today, she’s joined the food relief effort.
“We’re all really excited to help volunteer for such a great cause,” says Camilla in between handing out packets of spaghetti.
“We offer (health) insurance for students and visitors, so I think it’s great to be able to come and help offer something else that’s part of their day-to-day life.”
It’s a connection to customers and it inspires her and the hundreds of other Allianz Partners staff who want to help.
“You can see the happiness and gratitude in people’s eyes, just from getting staple needs in their daily diet.”
“It can be a very vulnerable time in life. They’re coming to a new country, coming to try to study. Allianz Partners always wants to take care of them and make sure they are never put in a situation that could mean they don’t have access to things like groceries.”
Events like the Market Stalls create the personal connection with customers that Allianz Partners’ CEO Chris McHugh says is critical for his team and the business.
“The ‘why’ is so critical. Because when we see how our interactions change people’s lives, that makes it more than a transaction. These relatively small gestures for us are so significant to them.
“We're demonstrating that we are absolutely invested in the best interests of students and particularly international students in Australia.”
Allianz Partners releases the State of Student Healthcare report every year. The 2024 report is eye-opening revealing:
· 28.1% of international students in Australia have considered withdrawing from their studies and returning home because of the cost of living;
· 24.9% are unable to afford fresh fruit and vegetables;
· 30.7% regularly skip meals because of the cost of groceries; and
Only 15.3% eat fresh fruit and vegetables daily. Allianz Partners is an active participant in the international student community. It’s important to us to offer real help, when and where it’s most needed.
The International Student Market Stalls program started in 2024, delivering food to 4,533 students at eight universities. In 2025, it has expanded to 11 universities across QLD, NSW, ACT, VIC and WA.
In thanking Foodbank Australia for a partnership that is reaching so many international students, Chris acknowledges that his team has grown through the program, “They’ve made us more aware of food insecurity and the importance of this issue,” he says. “It’s a great organisation to work with because our aspirations, goals and philosophy are aligned around care and support. Both organisations are very, very much invested in the purpose.”
Foodbank Australia CEO Brianna Casey says the Allianz Partners commitment goes beyond a partnership.
“The Allianz Partners team is inspired and motivated and deeply connected with this cause,” says Ms Casey. “What I love about this event, is that it’s a welcoming, friendly environment for students to access fresh fruit and vegetables, but also culturally appropriate food.
“We couldn’t do what we do without Allianz Partners and I think knowing that sharing food with someone who is just like you is the ultimate connection.”
It’s the kind of connection that transcends cultures. It creates connections. It makes a real difference. It gives back.
At Allianz Partners we are proud to be part of such a wonderful initiative that supports students in moments that matter.
