KNOXVILLE, TN
The Big Kahuna Wing Festival is set to take place on September 1, and it’s not just another food event in Knoxville. This festival plays a crucial role in supporting local organizations, particularly Food4Vols, which focuses on addressing food insecurity and reducing food waste at the University of Tennessee (UT) and surrounding areas.
A Purpose Beyond Wings
Established in 2021, Food4Vols aims to help students and community members who are facing food insecurity. According to Tyler White, an Assistant Professor at UT and part of the Food4Vols initiative, they have a dedicated team that goes out every day to collect excess food from campus locations. This food is then taken to the culinary institute, where they prepare ready-to-microwave or ready-to-heat meals that are distributed to those in need.
“We are rescuing food that would otherwise go to waste,” White explained. “Our mission is to reduce food insecurity while also taking care of the waste problem on campus.” He added that the majority of the food they collect comes from campus dining facilities, including the popular Rocky Top Cafeteria and various newer food concepts around the university.
Addressing Food Access Issues
The work of Food4Vols goes beyond just the immediate needs of students. They are also tackling the issue of food deserts on and around the UT campus—areas where access to food is limited. One example mentioned by White is the Agricultural Campus, where food options disappear after 2 PM. Food4Vols plans to establish a presence there to ensure students can find something to eat after their classes.
Impact and Recognition
Currently, Food4Vols serves an average of 350 meals per day, five days a week. Their efforts have not gone unnoticed. Recently, they received the Tennessee Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Award for materials management. White shared that this recognition marked a significant milestone for the organization, showcasing their commitment to not just serving food but also adopting sustainable practices.
Since its inception, Food4Vols has saved over 350,000 pounds of food and prepared more than 100,000 meals for students. Their reach extends to several counties, including Anderson, Blount, Knox, and Sevier, helping those in need across the region.
A Festival with a Cause
The upcoming Big Kahuna Wing Festival is an opportunity for the community to support initiatives like Food4Vols while enjoying great food. A portion of the funds raised will be directed towards helping the organization continue its valuable work. “This festival is much more than just wings,” White stated. “It’s about community support and working together to solve food insecurity and waste issues that affect so many in our area.”
Food4Vols not only focuses on immediate needs but also looks toward the future with positive goals. White mentioned that winning the recent awards has propelled them to plan for further expansions and initiatives that will continue to enhance their community service.
Join the Effort
The Big Kahuna Wing Festival invites everyone to partake in a day filled with fun activities and delicious food, all while contributing to a cause that directly benefits local students and the community. If you’re in Knoxville on September 1, consider attending and supporting the great work of Food4Vols and other organizations involved. Together, we can help combat food insecurity and waste right where we live.
