University of Galway’s Student Pantry Battles Rising Demand Amid Cost-of-Living Crisis

The student-operated Spéir pantry at University of Galway is struggling to meet the escalating needs of students facing the intensifying cost-of-living crisis in Ireland. Despite distributing nearly €500,000 worth of food in the past year, the pantry is forced to turn away hundreds of students each week due to overwhelming demand.

From Environmental Initiative to Vital Lifeline

Originally conceived as an environmental project to redistribute surplus food from supermarkets, the Spéir pantry has evolved into a crucial support system for student welfare. Founded by Donegal student Adam Mullins, the initiative began in 2019 with food collected from supermarkets across County Galway and stored in a donated chest freezer [University of Galway Impact]. The pantry now operates out of the basement of the University of Galway library.

Demand Outstrips Supply

Students access the pantry through an online lottery system due to the high demand. Weekly, hundreds of registered students are unable to secure a time slot [SU Pantry]. Mullins noted that students often don’t know what items will be available each day, but continue to participate due to the critical require.

Students Share Struggles

Students have shared that the pantry is essential for their ability to remain in college. Law student Aly stated that without the pantry, she would sometimes have to choose between buying food and paying rent, and that the pantry saves her enough money to cover expenses for a week [Irish Times]. The pantry allows her to focus on her studies without worrying about food insecurity.

Broader Impact of Food Poverty

Séan de Búrca, Vice-President for Education at the students’ union, highlighted the growing issue of food poverty among students, contributing to drop-out rates. He questioned how students can concentrate on their studies when facing uncertainty about basic needs like housing and food [Irish Times]. De Búrca emphasized that students are particularly vulnerable to rising costs, especially rent increases.

Partnership with FoodCloud

The Spéir pantry partners with FoodCloud, an Irish not-for-profit social enterprise dedicated to reducing food waste and addressing food insecurity. In 2025, this partnership resulted in saving 51,190kg of surplus food, providing 121,881 meals, and reducing CO2 emissions by 118,761kg [SU Pantry]. Mullins intentionally refers to the service as a “food pantry” rather than a “food bank” to reduce stigma and encourage student participation.

Pantry Operating Hours

The Spéir pantry is open 2pm, and 3.30pm each Monday and Friday during term time. Applications for Monday slots open at 5pm on Friday and close at 6pm on Sunday, while Friday slot applications are open from 10am Tuesday to 4pm Thursday [SU Pantry]. Students must register online at www.yourspace.universityofgalway.ie and present a valid student ID card to access the pantry.