Things are about to get a lot harder for the 690,000 Tennesseans who receive food aid from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, as benefits are set to lapse on Nov. 1 amid the federal government shutdown. With 10% of Nashvillians experiencing food insecurity, many of our neighbors will need extra help. Here are some food banks and drives providing assistance to those who need it. Consider donating and volunteering at these organizations, if you can.
Second Harvest has numerous food distribution centers across Nashville, as well as mobile food pantries. Because they buy in bulk, donations go a long way: Just $1 equals four meals.
Metro Social Services is partnering with Second Harvest to give away food boxes in North Nashville at 8 a.m. on Nov. 8 at Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church. The church is also providing winter coats for kids.
Located in Madison outside Watershed Wellness COOP, Nashville’s community refrigerator provides free food and meals. They need donations of groceries and individually packaged homemade meals.
Located at the Bellevue United Methodist Church, this food bank is open every Tuesday from 6-7:30 p.m. Bring an ID and utility bill.
Davidson County residents can shop for groceries and clothes without spending a dime at this East Nashville pantry. Proof of residency is required.
St. Luke’s food pantry is open Tuesday through Friday, and while you can schedule an appointment for faster service, walk-ins are welcome.
Dream Streets' Mobile Food program brings high-quality groceries to locations around West and North Nashville. It partners with local grocery stores and Second Harvest.
This Antioch nonprofit’s food pantry is open by appointment only, and helps feed more than 4,000 people each month.
Founded by local celebrities Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley, this grocery store allows Middle Tennesseans living at 200% of the poverty line or below to shop biweekly for free. Applicants have to apply first. While the program is currently full, they’re seeking additional funding to expand enrollment.
This nonprofit has weekly mobile pantries throughout Middle Tennessee. If you’re a furloughed federal employee, stop by its Franklin headquarters for a free food box. A spokesperson told me they also have a great need for volunteers, especially on Saturdays.
Located in Franklin, GraceWorks provides a free monthly shopping cart full of food to qualifying families. Its next mobile food pantry is Nov. 15.
Have remaining SNAP/EBT funds? Nashville Farmers’ Market's Fresh Bucks program allows SNAP recipients to double their benefits when shopping from select merchants.
More Local Organizations Providing Food Aid
- Metro Nashville has released a food resource guide, which includes food pantries for MNPS students and their families.
- Mr. Aaron’s Goods has a community pantry for those in need, and there’s a pantry behind The Lipstick Lounge.
- The Nashville Food Project and Cul2vate work with community partners to bring meals and fresh produce to food-insecure Nashvillians.
- Open Table Nashville has organized a list of daily free community meals, which includes meals at Nashville Rescue Mission and Trinity Community Commons.
- Check Hands On Nashville for volunteer opportunities.
- Bagelshop is providing a free morning bagel + schmear to anyone who’s lost their SNAP benefits. Just say “I’m here for the neighbor bagel.”
- Honeytree Meadery is collecting food donations for dropoff every Monday.
- SPOOKLEWOOD had so many donations on Halloween that they’ve now opened a permanent food pantry, the Little Litton Food Pantry (in front of 1308 Litton Ave). Their motto is to “take what you need, leave what you can.”
- Ingrassia & Sons Italian Deli is offering free subs to anyone with an EBT card and ID.
- Kids can eat for free at Rock N Roll Sushi in Donelson, no purchase needed.
- Both Cledis locations will provide free bagged lunches for kids. Just ask for the “Cledis Cares” bag.
- A new food pantry has opened in WeHo on 1224 Martin Street.
