International students were able to access free fresh produce and pantry staples at Murdoch University's Perth campus this week, thanks to Allianz Partners and Foodbank.

At the first Murdoch Market of Semester 2 on Thursday, Allianz Partners and Foodbank distributed over 2,800kg of fruit, vegetables and pantry staples to more than 500 students.

Everything from pears, yoghurt, crackers, noodles, cereal and Vegemite was up for grabs – to support students living far away from home with the cost-of-living.

The Murdoch Markets stall coincided with Allianz Partners and Foodbank announcing a three-year renewal of their partnership to supply fresh produce and pantry staples to international students at university campuses across the country.

Murdoch International Student Association (MISA) President Saieesivasoriaa Sivagurunathan said the program assisted in fostering a community away from home for international students.

“It is sending a message to international students that they are not alone, and they have an additional layer of support from big organisations like Allianz and Foodbank, and I am very sure that international students will be very, very happy with this support,” he said.

“Coming to Australia from thousands of kilometres away, it is daunting leaving your family behind. Sometimes you might have financial pressures and language barriers, cultural barriers and all of that.”

Murdoch University Director, Student Wellbeing Simon Walters, welcomed the extension of the partnership.

“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.

“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.”

Murdoch University Health Service Manager Lisa Cranfield said the market stall complements other health and wellbeing services available to students on campus.

“Murdoch offers a lot of support services for our students; we are really proud of the student support services that we do offer," she said.

“We have the counselling services and medical support services on campus. The Den is a really important point of connection and belonging for our students.”

Dr Samantha Eid, Head of Product Management and Innovation, Health, Allianz Partners said: “Our food insecurity impact report demonstrates that 84% of students worry about having enough food and also 80% of them skip meals because of the cost.”

Foodbank WA Chief Executive, Kate O’Hara, said rising demand for food staples was evident across all sectors of the community, including students.

“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.

Operated by the student Guild, the Murdoch Markets take place between 10am to 2pm on Thursdays during teaching weeks.