What We Do
At The Store, we’re bringing together a dedicated community of support working to combat food insecurity in Middle Tennessee with empathy, dignity, and respect. Founded by Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley, The Store transcends traditional food aid, offering comprehensive solutions to hunger and poverty.
How We're Different:
Our approach not only addresses immediate food needs but also promotes a sustainable solution to food insecurity. By empowering individuals and families with choice, education, and support, The Store is redefining what it means to provide food assistance and making a lasting impact in the fight against hunger.
Focus on Fresh, Nutritious Foods
We prioritize fresh produce, healthy meats, and dairy products, ensuring our customers have access to the nutritious options necessary for a balanced diet. Our commitment to quality sets us apart and addresses the nutritional gap often found in food assistance programs.
Wrap-Around Services
Recognizing that food insecurity is often a symptom of broader challenges, The Store offers wrap-around services designed to support our customers' overall well-being through its partners like Belmont University. From counseling and financial planning to educational programs, we're committed to connecting our customers to the tools and resources needed for long-term stability.
Engagement and Empowerment
We believe in empowering our community through engagement and education. Our approach encourages customers to take an active role in their journey to self-sufficiency, supported by our staff and volunteers every step of the way.
Community Collaboration
The Store collaborates with a network of partners, including local farms, businesses, and nonprofit organizations. This collaborative spirit enhances our impact and fosters a community-wide effort to eliminate hunger.
The Grocery Store Model
Unlike traditional food pantries that provide pre-selected food boxes, The Store operates like a grocery store, allowing customers to choose the food that best meets their nutritional needs and personal preferences. This choice-based model reduces waste, ensures satisfaction, and upholds the dignity of those we serve.
Our Approach
The Store sets itself apart from traditional food pantries by offering a revolutionary approach to addressing food insecurity. Our model is based on dignity, choice, and the belief that everyone deserves access to healthy food and the support they need to thrive.
Partnering for Greater Impact
At The Store, we believe in the power of partnerships to create a more hopeful and supportive community for everyone. We’re honored to collaborate with remarkable nonprofits, each dedicated to addressing vital needs and fostering a world where everyone has the support they need to thrive. Through these comprehensive services, The Store and its community of support are boldly addressing food insecurity in our community. Explore our partners→
Choice-Based Grocery Shopping
Customers enjoy a dignified shopping experience in a setting reminiscent of a traditional grocery store, selecting from fresh produce, healthy meats, dairy, and essential pantry items.
Household Essentials and Specialty Items
In addition to food, customers can shop for crucial non-food items such as diapers, hygiene products (toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, deodorant), and even special items like greeting cards and fresh flowers.
Nutritional Education and Cooking Classes
We offer programs focused on nutrition, teaching customers how to plan meals, budget for groceries, and prepare nutritious dishes, empowering them with the knowledge to make healthy food choices.
Case Management, Counseling, & Financial Planning
Through its partners like Belmont University and the Family Wellbeing Program, The Store provides access to case management, counseling, and financial planning to tackle the root causes of food insecurity, helping our customers navigate personal and economic challenges toward a more stable future.
Volunteer, Corporate, and Community Engagement
Our mission is brought to life by our dedicated volunteers and supporters, creating a vibrant community centered on service, compassion, and making a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve.
Here are some examples of how The Store is partnering for a brighter future for our neighbors:
Families Overcoming Homelessness
As families secure housing after a crisis, The Store ensures their pantries are filled with fresh, nutritious groceries for a year, aiding their transition into a stable home environment.
Reintegrating Formerly Incarcerated Individuals
Supporting individuals returning from incarceration, The Store fills their pantries with essential foods. This support allows them to focus on employment skills and job training without the stress of securing their next meal.
Supporting Veterans
For veterans accessing housing assistance and counseling, The Store offers bi-weekly shopping opportunities for a year, addressing their comprehensive needs and supporting their journey toward stability.
Disaster Relief for Victims
In the wake of disasters, such as house fires, The Store provides immediate access to essential food supplies, helping those affected to rebuild their lives with one less worry.
Lifting up Victims of Domestic Violence
YWCA ReNew lifts up victims of domestic violence, supporting them as they move into new homes. Working along side the YWCA, The Store makes sure that their kitchen is full of fresh food when they move in.
Interested in Partnering?
Through these initiatives, The Store stands in solidarity with our neighbors, offering more than just food—offering hope, support, and a path forward. The Store is grateful to all of its active nonprofits partners.
To inquire about becoming a partner of The Store please email programs@thestore.org.
