Food insecurity in Middle Tennessee is currently at a ten-year high, but The Store, located on Belmont University’s campus, is working hard to ensure that everyone has a place at the table. More than just a food pantry, The Store aims to unite the community and provide access to nutritious food for those in need.
Founded by Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley, the couple was inspired to create The Store after volunteering with their family at Unity Shoppe, a free supermarket in California. In March 2020, they opened The Store. Now, with demand growing, The Store plans to open a second location at TriStar Centennial Medical Center by late summer 2025.
What sets The Store apart from traditional food pantries is its grocery store model, where customers shop as if they were in any other supermarket; the only difference is that everything is free. Those who qualify can select a certain number of items based on household size. Fresh fruits and vegetables don’t count toward that total, ensuring that families have access to healthy, nutritious options.
“Food insecurity isn’t just about having enough food—it’s about having the right kind of food," says Collen Mayer, CEO of The Store. "Our data shows that since we give people the choice, 98% of our shoppers leave with fruits or vegetables in their carts.” Mayer, who has a long career in nonprofit work, joined The Store a year ago. “I was deeply moved by The Store’s commitment to dignity and lifting up those who are struggling. It felt like the perfect fit.”
As demand increased, The Store began exploring a second location. TriStar Centennial Medical Center emerged as the ideal partner, as they were also focused on disturbing food and supplies to their patients experiencing food insecurity after discharge. “We maxed out our capacity at our first location,” Mayer explains. “We started asking ourselves, ‘How can we do more?’ Right around the time we were talking about expansion, TriStar Centennial reached out. They were seeing the same needs within their hospital, and we immediately realized our values were aligned.”
The Store works alongside volunteers and other nonprofits to help further the reach, and their team is thankful for every member of the community who lends a helping hand. Organizations like Nashville Diaper Connection, The Community Resource Center, and Once Upon a Farm, along with several others, donate regularly to its inventory, and Belmont University provides the space as well as partners for their wrap-around services. However, much of what can be seen on the shelves is purchased by The Store to ensure quality products.
“One of the biggest misconceptions about food insecurity is thinking it’s solved with leftovers and surplus goods," Mayer notes. " Real impact comes from serving people with dignity, offering fresh, healthy options. It’s about more than just meeting their food needs—it’s about ensuring they leave with their spirits lifted.”
Addressing food insecurity goes beyond just providing meals. It also entails building community, uplifting individuals, and keeping a sense of dignity. At The Store, individuals leave with more than just food; they leave with a sense of hope, and that impact is far more meaningful.
“The Store’s purpose is to bring the community together to tackle food insecurity,” says Mayer. “It’s a place where families, companies, and volunteers can come together, where customers feel like part of a supportive community. We’ve built this large network of people and nonprofits, wrapping our arms around our neighbors to ensure they have enough and are lifted up.”
"Real impact comes from serving people with dignity, offering fresh, healthy options."