Nashville is facing a troubling rise in hunger. This year, the number of families unable to afford food has jumped by 40%. One place making a difference is The Store—a free grocery market that helps families in need.
CEO Collen Mayer explains that around 1,000 families rely on The Store for fresh produce every month. Unfortunately, they have another 2,400 families on a waitlist. The growing demand highlights the urgent need for solutions.
Mayer sees hope in a new location at TriStar Centennial. This site, almost three times the size of their current location, could allow them to serve many more families. “This expansion is critical,” Mayer says, emphasizing its potential to eliminate the waitlist and provide food with dignity.
Currently, The Store needs $2 million to complete construction and operate the new facility for its first two years. This new space will not only have more storage but also an area where volunteers can work more efficiently.
The urgency of this project comes at a time when food insecurity is at a 10-year high nationwide. According to recent data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, around 14.3 million households faced food insecurity in 2021. Mayer hopes the new location will be up and running by mid-January, saying, “We need the community to step up. Every dollar counts.”
Volunteers are equally important, as Mayer notes that they rely heavily on community support to keep operations running smoothly. The Centennial location will require twice the number of volunteers compared to the original site.
The expansion not only aims to support families but also works directly with those at the hospital. “Being able to help hardworking families shop for food with dignity—this is what makes my job fulfilling,” Mayer states.
As Nashville grapples with its hunger crisis, The Store represents both a short-term relief and a long-term solution. The community’s involvement will be crucial in ensuring that no family goes to bed hungry.
For more information on food assistance and support efforts, you can visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture for resources and statistics.
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