13.2% of Davidson County residents are experiencing food insecurity, while 41.2% of Tennessee parents reported low or very low food security. Below, I’ve listed some resources if you or someone you know is experiencing food insecurity. If you’re able, consider donating or volunteering with these organizations.
🍽️ Find Food Pantries & Banks
Here are some food banks and pantries in the Nashville area. Some tips: Since volunteers often run these organizations, website information might not be updated regularly. And some organizations are maxed out on food donations. Call first to see if the schedule is accurate, and that they’re able to supply food. Also, you have more food choices the earlier you arrive.
- The Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee distributes food to numerous locations throughout Nashville and surrounding areas. Search to find the food distribution center closest to you.
- Here’s a list of 48 local food donation programs. Many offer other services, too, like diapers and clothing.
- Where To Turn in Nashville is a collaboration between Open Table Nashville and The Contributor. They list food donation centers as well as other types of resources, like with housing and medical care.
- Dream Street’s Mobile Food program brings high-quality groceries to locations around West and North Nashville. Here’s their schedule.
- Trinity Community Commons hosts a free community dinner every Tuesday.
- If you live in Williamson County, check out the GraceWorks Mobile Food Pantry.
🦃 Free Thanksgiving Meals
- Enter your zip code on the Feeding America website to find food pantries giving free Thanksgiving meals.
- Burning Acre Events is hosting a free Thanksgiving dinner in Nashville and Columbia.
- Gobble Gobble Give feeds the unhoused on Thanksgiving.
Felicia volunteers at the Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee. (Courtesy of Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee)
👋 Where To Donate & Volunteer
Most of the organizations listed above accept financial and grocery donations as well as volunteers.
- The Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee has many food donation locations.
- Hands On Nashville lists many volunteer opportunities to help distribute food across Nashville and the surrounding areas. Filter the calendar search tool by “Food Insecurity.”
- The Store needs frequent volunteers.
- I list volunteer opportunities regularly on our events calendar.
