Nourishing Minds: Tangaza University’s Foodbank Project.

Food insecurity is a harsh reality for many college students, impacting their academic performance and well-being. At Tangaza University, the Justice and Peace Commission launched the Foodbank Project to address this issue. By fostering a supportive community and providing essential resources, the Project has significantly improved the lives of many students, exemplifying the power of compassion and solidarity.

Despite the noble effort of pursuing knowledge and higher education, many students struggle to secure their daily sustenance. Studies show that hunger negatively impacts academic performance, physical well-being, and mental health, preventing bright young minds from reaching their full potential.

Enter Tangaza University’s Justice and Peace Commission, a student club whose primary focus is on promoting social justice, peace, and human dignity through the principles of Catholic social teachings. This club aims to raise awareness about social issues, engage in advocacy, and take concrete actions to address injustices in the community.

It recognised the need to create a lasting solution for the food-insecure students at the institution. Its dedication to the philosophy of social justice and human rights ignited the spark that led to the inception of the Foodbank Project.

The Project

The Foodbank Project is a multifaceted initiative focused on cultivating nourishment and community. The commission coordinates food drives and encourages students, faculty, and the local community to donate non-perishable food items. Additionally, it arranges charity events to raise funds and gather items for those in need. It also establishes partnerships with local churches, organisations, and individuals who share the goal of creating a hunger-free campus. These alliances help to ensure a steady supply of food while fostering a sense of community support for those in need. The collected food items are stored in their offices on campus. Club members sort the food—checking expiration dates and organising it for distribution.

The food is distributed to those in need through a weekly schedule and in response to specific requests. Additionally, the club educates the campus community about food insecurity through events, weekly Catholic Mass, and campaigns to promote a culture of giving and solidarity.

The Project values the dignity and privacy of the recipients and, therefore, implements a confidential distribution system. This system provides students with several nutritious food items that cater to their unique dietary needs and preferences. Its success relies heavily on student volunteers who actively participate in various aspects of the initiative. The Justice and Peace Commission involves them in organising events, conducting outreach, and raising awareness. These volunteers play a crucial role in the ongoing fight against hunger within the campus community.

Cultivating Success Stories

The initiative has already witnessed remarkable success stories showcasing its transformational impact. Mary, a second-year student, expressed how it helped her navigate a challenging academic year. “Being away from home, I struggled to afford nutritious meals and felt overwhelmed. The Project provided me with essential food items and also connected me with a supportive community. Today, I feel empowered to focus on my studies, knowing I have the backing of caring individuals.”

Another beneficiary is Jonte, a third-year student whose determination knows no bounds. Coming from a humble background, he had to work in construction sites to make ends meet. Often, this resulted in him missing classes due to financial constraints. However, his life changed when he became involved with the Foodbank Project. Jonte shares a story of the reality that many students, including himself, have to work part-time to meet their basic needs. Without solution-oriented initiatives like the Foodbank Project, this struggle is inevitable.

As the Foodbank Project continues to bloom, its impact reverberates far beyond the confines of Tangaza University College. Students actively participate in charity visits to various communities outside the campus, such as Naivasha Prison and environmental activities in Moshi, Tanzania and volunteer projects at children’s homes in Malindi, Mombasa and Nairobi. They also donate generously to these communities. For long journeys—such as service trips or pilgrimages—thorough planning is essential. This involves selecting a destination, arranging accommodation, transportation, and meals, and creating a schedule of activities. To cover costs, the club hosts fundraising events, like T-shirt sales and crowdfunding campaigns, and seeks sponsorships from local businesses and community members.

Sustaining the Vision of Zero Hunger

During the trips, club members engage in service projects at schools, community centres, homes for the elderly, and children. They often partner with local organisations to ensure their efforts align with the community’s needs. Through research and meetings with leaders, local charities, shelters, and community centres, they identify recipients and coordinate the distribution to various destinations. The trips typically incorporate time for meditation, prayer, and group discussions, allowing participants to connect their experiences with their faith and values of solidarity.

Charity events such as clothing drives and volunteer days are organised and carried out—generating finances, collecting products, and aiding those in need. Club members volunteer their time and skills in different roles, including tutoring children, visiting senior citizens, cleaning up local spaces, and working at the Foodbank.

Through collaboration with other student organisations, local churches, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and community groups, they increase their impact and ensure that their activities are long-term and effective. By nurturing communities that value social responsibility and empathy, the initiative sows the seeds of hope and inspires change agents who will drive similar projects in their respective communities.

The group not only participates in hands-on charity work, it also engages in advocacy to raise awareness about social justice issues and encourage the university community to take action. It embodies the timeless principles of Catholic social teaching, which call for justice, dignity, and solidarity among all people. By upholding these values, Tangaza University College stands as a beacon of hope in the fight against hunger and poverty.

The Project stands tall as a symbol of unwavering faith in action. Through its innovative approach, it provides nourishment to food-insecure students while cultivating a spirit of compassion and community on campus. As we celebrate this initiative, let us remember that each act of kindness and support brings us one step closer to a world where no student goes to bed hungry. Together, we can reap the fruits of a hunger-free future as we sow seeds of hope for generations to come.