We’re pleased to share coverage of a community effort that’s helping reduce waste and strengthen food support for neighbors across Knoxville.
Read the full article from Knox News: Food went to waste at Vols home games. United Way helped change that.
For years, thousands of pounds of prepared food from the University of Tennessee home football games went unused after fans left Neyland Stadium. But a new initiative has changed that — ensuring this food now gets into the hands of people experiencing food insecurity.
According to coverage shared by Knox News, United Way of Greater Knoxville has helped coordinate with stadium food vendors and nonprofit partners to recover surplus food following Vols home games. It’s estimated that 5,000–6,000 pounds of food that would have otherwise gone unused were collected and redistributed to local community organizations serving families in need.
This effort reflects the kind of cross-sector collaboration that helps connect excess resources with neighbors who need them most, reducing waste and supporting food access throughout our community. It also builds on UWGK’s broader work around food security, including convening partners, facilitating distribution channels, and mobilizing volunteers to help ensure that good food reaches people rather than landfills.
By finding better ways to share excess food from large community events like football games, we are helping stretch resources further and deepen impact where the need is greatest.
