News From The Store

Access to nutritious food can make a difference far beyond the grocery aisle. New research highlights the connection between food assistance and heart health, while stories from The Store’s shoppers show how the freedom to choose fresh, healthy foods can support well-being and improve lives.

One family has given an aisle at The Store a special name: the Mila aisle, filled with a seven-year-old girl's favorite snacks and cereals. Through Mila's story, Collen reflects on what food security and dignity can mean for children—not just having food they enjoy at home, but having the freedom to focus on reading, dreaming about the future, and imagining the ways they'll one day contribute to their community.

In this reflection, Brad explores the latest Feeding America Map the Meal Gap data and what rising food insecurity rates reveal about the growing need across Tennessee. While national research provides an important picture of the issue, the data often lags behind the realities families are facing today. Through the experiences of neighbors like Janet, along with growing waitlists, increased calls for assistance, and demand from community partners, he reflects on the urgent need happening right now—and the people behind the numbers who are being forced to choose between putting food on the table and paying their bills.

Food insecurity doesn't stop affecting people as they get older. In this reflection, Brad explores research examining the potential relationship between food insecurity later in life and cognitive health, alongside the experiences of older adults at The Store. Through the stories of neighbors like Liz and Ms. Stephanie, he highlights the importance of consistent access to nutritious food for older adults, many of whom are balancing groceries with the rising costs of healthcare, housing, and everyday essentials. It's a reminder to pay closer attention to the needs of our aging neighbors and the role healthy food plays throughout every stage of life.

As grocery costs continue to rise, food insecurity is becoming an increasingly familiar reality for families across Middle Tennessee. In this reflection, Brad explores how the growing financial pressures facing our neighbors are also affecting the donors, volunteers, and staff who make The Store's work possible. He considers what it means to sustain a mission when so many people are navigating the same economic uncertainty—and expresses gratitude for a community that continues to show up for one another, even when times are difficult.

When summer volunteer shortages stretched The Store’s team, staff and volunteers stepped in wherever they were needed. The result? Our customers didn’t notice a difference—a powerful reflection of the people committed to making dignity, choice, and care non-negotiable.

Applications are open for The Store’s Young Professionals Board, a two-year opportunity for emerging leaders to serve their community, take on meaningful responsibility, and help advance our mission of providing groceries with dignity and choice.

Used July 4th banners are getting a second life as reusable grocery bags at The Store. It’s a story of creativity, sustainability, meaningful employment, and what’s possible when a community sees value where others might see waste.