Supporting students through food and care at TUS Athlone

At Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) Athlone, our Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care team plays a vital role in supporting students, particularly those facing financial hardship, isolation, or unexpected challenges. The mission of the team, captained by Fr Shay Casey (Chaplain of TUS) and Massimiliano Zanotto (a PhD researcher in TUS) is to foster a sense of community and well-being, ensuring that everyone feels supported throughout their journey. We have a 24/7 helpline available.

A key part of our outreach is food support, made possible through our partnership with FoodCloud and Tesco. 6 nights a week for most of the last 10 years, we collect surplus food from Tesco Golden Island store in Athlone and distribute it to students, families, and individuals experiencing hardship. Whether it’s students managing on a tight budget, single parents struggling to make ends meet, or local families in need of extra support, the availability of fresh food makes a huge difference in their daily lives. According to the FoodCloud App, we have completed 2000+ donations, collecting 60000+Kgs of food, saving 200000+Kgs of CO2, and reaching thousands of people in need. 

Beyond food distribution, our team is committed to building a strong support network for students. Through our pastoral care services, we provide emotional support, guidance, and emergency assistance, ensuring that students feel valued and included in the TUS community. We also work closely with the Students’ Union and other campus services to address students’ broader well-being needs.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Tesco Golden Island and FoodCloud for making this possible, as well as to all the many people helping us over the years. Their consistent support enables us to reach more people every year and create a welcoming and caring environment in the community.