Celebrating a Legacy: The Impact of Wilson County Food Ministry’s Beloved Co-Founder

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Sharing a meal with family can be a luxury that some don’t take for granted. Peggy Evans understood this deeply.

Her dedication to ensuring that everyone in her Wilson County community had enough food became her life’s mission. Sadly, Peggy recently passed away after battling cancer, but her family is committed to keeping her legacy alive.

Benny Nolen, Peggy’s son-in-law, remembers how it all started about 26 years ago. Peggy and her husband, Bob, founded Joseph’s Storehouse Food Ministry in Lebanon with just $300 in their bank account. Their aim was simple yet powerful: to help those who struggle to put food on their tables.

“Back then, this room was filled with banana boxes,” Nolen recalls. “It was a lot of hard work just to get the food packed.”

Today, the need for food assistance has grown significantly, with between 800 and 1,000 families relying on the ministry each month. Food prices have increased, and more families are seeking help.

After Bob’s passing and Peggy’s illness, Benny and his wife, Lisa, took over the ministry. They recently celebrated its 25th anniversary just before Peggy’s death last week.

Benny describes the void left by Peggy’s passing, but also the comfort in knowing she is now at peace, “She wanted to see Jesus,” he shared, reflecting on the bittersweet nature of grieving.

Though they may no longer be here, the Evans have touched countless lives. “Everyone faces challenges and struggles,” Nolen stated. “We want to honor their sacrifices.”

With a sense of duty, Nolen and his team are determined to preserve and grow the work that the Evans started. “Every month, we hear people say they couldn’t make it without us. That’s a big responsibility,” he said.

Joseph’s Storehouse continues to distribute food each month and welcomes volunteers. The ministry’s ongoing commitment is a testament to Peggy and Bob’s vision for a community where no one goes hungry.

For more details about the ministry, you can learn more about it through its website.

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