Our Lunch & Learns Are Filling Up Fast — So We’re Coming to You

May 8, 2025

So our Lunch and Learn’s at The Store have gotten a little out of hand.

When we started hosting Lunch and Learns about a year and a half ago, we weren’t sure if anyone would come.

Who knew if people would brave 12 South traffic, struggle with parking, and carve out time in the middle of a busy workday to learn about a nonprofit?

Fast forward 14 Lunch and Learns later — and every single one has been full.

Every. Single. One.

As I reflect on this it has made me wonder: why?

I’d like to think it’s because of the presenter (me), but I know better.

Maybe some people are secretly hoping Brad Paisley will make a surprise appearance (he doesn’t — though we do have a great video featuring him telling about the found of The Store).

It certainly doesn’t hurt that bartaco generously provides an amazing lunch each month.

But honestly, it’s something deeper.We actually ask people why they come at the start of each session. And the answers are as simple as they are inspiring.

Many are individuals who feel called to give back but aren’t sure where to start.

Some are leaders hoping to connect their companies with a mission-driven organization.

Last month, we had several faith communities eager to explore partnerships.

Others are newcomers to Nashville, looking to build community and find meaningful ways to get involved.

Whatever the exact reason, the heart is almost always the same:

People long for connection. They long for purpose. And they find a piece of both at The Store.

The Lunch and Learn has become an easy, one-hour springboard into something much bigger— A deeper connection with our neighbors. An invitation to serve with dignity. And often, a way to receive just as much as you give.Which brings us back to the "problem"—Our Lunch and Learns are filling up so quickly, we sometimes have to close registration a month or more in advance!

So, we’re doing something new:We’re bringing The Store to you.If you're part of a company, church, or community group of 15 or more, we’re piloting a new program:

Meet The Store — private, on-site sessions where we’ll come to you, share our story, and help you get connected.We’re offering 4 of these sessions this year as part of our pilot.

If you’re interested, please reach out or visit our click here for more details

And if you still want to join a traditional Lunch and Learn at our place, good news — We have a few spots left for the next couple of months — but they’re going fast Hope to see you at The Store—or maybe at your store—soon.

What started as a simple idea has become one of our most in-demand events. With 14 fully booked Lunch and Learns behind us, it’s clear: people are craving connection, purpose, and ways to give back. That’s why we’re launching Meet The Store—a new opportunity for companies, churches, and community groups to host us on-site and discover how to get involved.

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