Former Vanderbilt University quarterback Mo Hasan recently transferred to the University of Southern California. But in his time at Vanderbilt, he has had an impact that stretches far beyond the gridiron. With his eyes opened to the reality of food waste, Hasan started planning “to help curb the food waste” in America. The USC senior is now realizing his “childhood dream” of graduating from a world-class university and competing in the SEC, all the while leading a thriving food charity.
Hasan has launched his own initiative. His organization “Second Spoon” tackles food waste by repackaging surplus food, and distributing it to those in need in the community.
Mo Hasan Moves to USC
Even setting aside the activism and charity work, Hasan has had an eventful collegiate journey. Recruited right out of high school, Hasan chose Syracuse University. After freshman year, he transferred to Coffeyville Community College in Kansas. He arrived at Vanderbilt University in 2018, after playing football for a season there.
At Vanderbilt, he studied economics and history, and made seven appearances with the Commodores. Over two seasons, he threw for 158 yards and a touchdown and added 79 yards in 16 carries. In October 2019, while injuries plagued their offense, he led the Commodores to a key win over Missouri, connecting 7 of 11 passes for 120 yards and a touchdown.
This proved to be the Commodores’ sole Southeastern Conference win, and Hasan’s only extended opportunity, though, since his season ended after a concussion. Last month, he joined USC via the transfer portal, adding depth at the QB position.
Combatting Food Waste at University
Although Hasan did not launch Second Spoon until later, he initially started thinking about this issue as early as his stint at Syracuse.
“When I first got to college, I saw first-hand in an athletic dining hall the amount of food that was being wasted,” says Hasan. A chat with a chef at the training facility further opened Hasan’s eyes. He learned that about 40 percent of all food in the US goes uneaten. “I immediately thought to myself, I can probably do something to help curb the food waste.”
“Second Spoon” became Hasan’s humble solution to a genuine problem. After starting to raise money, but realizing that a new food truck would cost too much, Hasan and supporters went creative: “It was upwards of 200,000 dollars, which we didn’t have, so the next best solution was to repurpose a FedEx truck. We got it wrapped, we got the window cut out, and it looks just about the same.”
This truck, named “Hunger ReliefMobile” makes several stops to make sure that meals can reach as many people as possible. He reached out to his friend, Robert Burns, for help and they campaigned on social media, registered Second Spoon with the IRS, and reached out to restaurants for donations. They both recruited their friends and teammates.
“…they loved the idea, so they were eager to come,” Hasan recalls. “As soon as the word started getting out, more and more people were looking to help out. And it’s been great.”
The process starts with all the dining facilities on Vanderbilt’s campus starting to store the surplus foods Monday through Friday. They freeze it throughout the week. Then, they bring the food to the athletic dining facility, where all the student-athletes pack them up into individual boxes.
Mo Hasan Plans to Continue his Charity
Although Hasan is now set to play for USC, Second Spoon continues to operate in the Nashville area thanks to the support they initially received from Vanderbilt, friends and teammates. Hasan is determined to continue his efforts, stating that “regardless of the next step, I will continue to pour everything I have into this city with our non-profit work”
Even with Hasan away, the organization keeps making an impact on communities. In fact, Hasan and Burns plan on branching out to different campuses.
Donate to Second Spoon here.
