A student-powered movement at ATU Letterkenny is redistributing surplus food from local supermarkets to students, with more than 500 meals provided so far.

The Green Pantry is a student society on campus that is part of the FoodCloud organisation, which bridges the gap between businesses that have surplus food.

Green Pantry volunteers have already secured partnerships with Lidl (Port Road) and Tesco Letterkenny, receiving weekly donations and first refusal on surplus food across six additional days. Collections from Lidl Ballybofey are also underway, and Aldi Letterkenny has confirmed future support pending chilled storage setup.

“This initiative is about more than just food—it’s about creating a sustainable, student-powered movement that benefits the entire community,” said Kesara Wimal, Treasurer of the Green Pantry.

Food and hygience products are redistributed as part of the sustainability drive

The project also incorporates a Re-turn bottle and can collection system, with ATU Estates funding bin covers across campus. Deposits from returns are split evenly between food transport costs (from Dublin and Galway FoodCloud hubs) and donations to Donegal Hospice.

Since its soft launch over the summer, the Green Pantry has redistributed 208 kg of food through 20 collections, delivering the equivalent of 500 meals to the community. Furthermore, these efforts have resulted in saving an estimated 440 kg of CO2 emissions. In addition to its food redistribution work, the Green Pantry has successfully raised over €1,000 through charity-sponsored running shirts, supported by more than 50 people.

“We’re proud to see students leading on sustainability and social impact,” said Charles Lukas Makio, Chairman of the Green Pantry. “This is a model that can grow and inspire others.”

One of the Green Pantry food collection points on campus

The Green Pantry is now inviting students who could benefit from the service, volunteers interested in joining the committee, and independent supermarkets that would like to donate surplus food.

Committee roles are available in logistics, communications, finance, and operations, offering hands-on experience and the chance to make a meaningful impact.

Interested students or supporters can reach out via: atucommunitygreenpantry@gmail.com or Instagram: @atu_letterkennygreenpantry

ATU society redistributing surplus food from supermarkets to students was last modified: September 26th, 2025 by Contributor

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