News From The Store

After an incredible April filled with full shifts and joyful service, May has brought a sharp dip in volunteer coverage at The Store—just as the need remains high. As summer calendars fill with celebrations, we’re feeling the crunch. We need your help to keep our shelves stocked, carts moving, and neighbors served with dignity. Read more about the challenge—and how you can make a difference.

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.

In honor of Volunteer Month, dozens of HCA Healthcare employees from across departments came together—many meeting for the first time—to serve at The Store. What started as a volunteer shift quickly turned into something more: connection, teamwork, and a shared commitment to dignity and community.

Food insecurity is at a 10-year high, and our waiting list has nearly 2,000 families. But Nashville is stepping up. A second location of The Store is on the horizon — and with it, a chance to serve more neighbors with dignity.

Join us for a fun conversation with Collen, The Store’s CEO, and Bridget Stangland, a member of our YP Board. Bridget shares how she went from volunteering with The Store to serving on our YP Board and is now a sponsor of one of our families – a crucial need in our efforts to end food insecurity.

Doubling Our Difference was an ambitious initiative to double our volunteers, double the number of customers served, and provide twice the amount of healthy, nutritious food – all by the end of 2024. Thanks to the overwhelming support from our community, I’m proud to say we achieved these goals by mid-September!

Our first-ever Nashville’s Got Talent fundraiser was a hit—raising $260,000 to support The Store’s mission and filling the room with inspiration, laughter, and community. From choosing a fresh event format to empowering volunteers, we walked away with a long list of lessons we’ll carry into next year. Check out our Top 10 takeaways from Year 1—and get a glimpse of what’s to come.

The Store's CEO, Collen Mayer, breaks down why the Imagine Nashville important for our community's future.