
With a great cause and internal bragging rights established, the donations came pouring in—hundreds just in the first week, well-surpassing last year’s total. As the competition escalated, Team 4 eventually took the lead with over 30 percent of the total contributions. The teams collected vegetables, beans, soup, stuffing, fruit, rice, pasta and other items to donate during their Thanksgiving Potluck, ensuring East Tennessee residents facing hunger and food insecurity could have their own Thanksgiving feast.

Second Harvest Food Bank operates programs across 18 counties in East Tennessee, reaching every demographic to ensure no one goes hungry. Programs range from summer food for kids to a mobile and school pantry and senior outreach. Without successful food drives, Second Harvest would not have enough food to feed the hungry. Food drives also give the food bank a larger variety of product and can supply items that Second Harvest cannot afford to buy in bulk.