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2020 Veterans Family Food Drive

One last update on our 2020 Veterans Family Food Drive…bottom line, huge success.  I especially want to thank everyone that assisted in any manner for this important initiative and food drive. Clearly, every UT department and organization that participated was a key to our success including many of our outstanding external partners like Second Harvest Food Bank, Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, and the Knoxville Scottish Rite. 

Also, shout out to the Vol Shop for graciously donating 200 high-quality UT bags that were used to create the veteran food baskets. The Vol Shop also donated numerous UT towels, pens, water bottles, and other giveaways that were distributed to many veterans (UT fans) waiting in line to receive their food baskets. Those items were a big surprise and greatly appreciated by every veteran that received one.

Of course, the Army & Air Force ROTC programs and especially the cadets were the stars of the show during the food distribution event yesterday. It was evident that their participation was a HUGE hit and was truly appreciated by the veterans that received the food baskets and numerous other food items at the Anderson County Fairgrounds. UT leadership and their respective programs should be very proud of their performance. They were a great example of selfless service and professionalism.

Second Harvest Food Bank said this was their largest Veteran Mobile Food Pantry distribution event that they’ve sponsored in east Tennessee with nearly 2,500 pounds of food being collected and donated by the University Tennessee. A grand total of almost 5,000 pounds in food was distributed by UT and Second Harvest combined at this single event.  Needless to say, it was impressive. A total of approximately 190 veterans and their families were served during the event.  

Each veteran family that participated and drove through the Veteran Mobile Food Pantry received a remarkable variety of canned and fresh produce to feed their family for an estimated 5-7 days including a 15 to 20-pound Butterball turkey, pork roast, and numerous other items. Quite honestly, as each vehicle departed the food site and fairgrounds, it looked like they had just picked up a car or truckload of groceries at Sam’s Club.

Please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks again for your support, and I look forward to the next event!

Happy Veterans Day,

Casey E. Bain
Recruiting Business Partner & UT HR Veterans Representative
105 Student Services Building
Knoxville, TN 37996
Phone: (865) 974-1322