A Room Full of Strangers
What does community look like before it knows it's a community?
It's 45 strangers walking into a room from completely different chapters of their lives. to learn about a nonprofit.
Active retirees figuring out what connection looks like after a long career ends. People brand new to Nashville, looking for something meaningful. Representatives from some of the largest companies in the city, wanting to get their employees involved in something real. A new healthcare company wanting to partner with The Store to reach our customers who struggle with food insecurity.
None of them knew each other. All of them showed up anyway.
Our monthly Lunch and Learn has a tight agenda. Three-minute video, five-minute The Store history, eight-minute tour. One hour — you leave fed, inspired, and equipped.
But I always give the most time to introductions — a room full of strangers sharing why they came.
That's where community starts. Before the agenda. Before anything else.
Our May lunch and learn yesterday was one of our best. What a room. What a group.
I love this community.
What happens when retirees, new Nashvillians, business leaders, and community partners gather with a shared desire to make a difference? Collen reflects on a memorable Lunch & Learn and why the most meaningful part of every gathering isn't the presentation—it's the people who choose to show up.
More from The Store
When a Raise Comes at a Cost: Understanding the Benefits Cliff
A higher wage should bring greater stability - not less food on the table. But for millions of families, even a small raise can mean losing critical assistance. The Store explores the “benefits cliff” and why true progress must consider the full picture of financial security.
Read More
When Grocery Costs Rise, Something Else Has to Give
For 97% of The Store shoppers, grocery savings help cover essentials like rent, medical bills, and car repairs. As food prices continue to rise, those savings reveal a larger reality: many working families are navigating budgets with little room left to adjust.
Read More