30-04-2025
‘VOLunteer' Jahmai Mashack honored for work leading to 197,000 meals for those in need
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — One Tennessee Basketball player was honored Tuesday for his work and advocacy that helped provide more than 197,000 meals for people in need.
Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee said 'VOLunteers' in working in the warehouse got a surprise Tuesday morning when former Tennessee Guard Jahmai Mashack joined the assembly line and helped pack boxes of food. The nonprofit said Mashack 'embodies what it means to be a VOLunteer, both on and off the court.'
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Mashack was awarded Second Harvest's 2025 Advocacy Award, in honor of the positive impact he has made on East Tennesseans experiencing food insecurity since their partnership with him began.
'My teammates, family, my coaches, they all know what it means to me to be able to just do something that's bigger than ourselves… we have to use our platform for something bigger, and in my opinion, something just as important as putting the ball in the hoop,' said Mashack, 'No matter where I go, I want to be able to shine a light.'
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The award is styled as a food can, with the area of the label that usually lists nutritional information instead showing facts about Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee and hunger in East Tennessee. Some of those facts include that more than 202,000 East Tennesseans experience hunger and that Second Harvest serves more than 15,000 children per week.
Second Harvest Chief Operating Officer Rachael Ellis said Mashack has shown a unique ability to inspire and unite others, whether that is by mentoring, advocating for hunger relief, or engaging with the community in the fight against hunger.
'His impact extends far beyond the accolades he has earned; it is felt in the hearts of teammates, peers, and community members alike.'
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In March, Mashack launched the 'Mashack March Madness Virtual Food Drive' following his last-second shot helped the Vols beat Alabama. Initially, the fundraiser had a goal of $7,900, in reference to the 79 points Tennessee scored against Alabama, but by the end of the fundraiser, donations to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee surpassed $21,000.
Earlier this year, Mashack also served for second straight season as Tennessee's representative on the SEC Community Service Team for men's basketball.
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