International Student Health Insurer Allianz Partners has partnered with Foodbank Australia to assist in alleviating financial hardship and food insecurity among international students studying in Australia by hosting seven market-style events on campuses across Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.
The partnership is anticipated to help more than 3,300 students this year, providing over $120,000 of food. At each event, international students will be given the opportunity to receive up to $50 worth of food, which could include items such as fresh fruit, vegetables, staples such as pasta and rice, and frozen nutritious ready-made meals.
The partnership follows a report from Monash University (2023), highlighting the financial pressures international students face. The study reveals a concerning trend of financial strain, particularly in accessing nutritious food, leading to deteriorating mental and physical well-being across the nation.
Miranda Fennell, Executive Head of Health and International Student Wellbeing Spokesperson, said this partnership is a proactive step towards improving the wellbeing of international students studying in Australia, amid rising hardship.
“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,” Miranda Fennell said.
“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,” added Fennell.
Foodbank Australia CEO, Brianna Casey said “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. This partnership with Allianz Partners will enable many university students up and down the eastern seaboard to have access to nutritious food.”.
This partnership also builds on Allianz Partners’ culture of assistance with employees getting regular hands-on volunteering opportunities at Foodbank Australia sites across Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland.
The Koala congratulates Allianz Partners and Foodbank on the initiative.
