During this time of storing up and preparing for the cold, it may be more challenging than we think. Consider volunteering or donating to these local food pantries, as the need for essentials is at a high peak this season. Monetary donations, food donations, and volunteering are all welcome to help assist those who may be going through a rough time.
Bellevue Community Food Bank - Nashville
Open Tuesday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Created in 1991 to address food insecurity, Bellevue Community Food Bank provides food and essentials to our neighbors in Bellevue, West Nashville, Fairview, and Pegram. They are 100% supported by the community through in-kind, food donations, and monetary donations. In 2024, over 7,300 individuals have visited their food bank. For their weekly most-needed items and volunteer opportunities, check out their website. BellevueCommunityFoodBank.com
GraceWorks Ministries, Inc. - Franklin
Open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Founded in 1995, GraceWorks Ministries’ goal was to unify the community and serve those in need. It started as a group of dedicated churches and quickly became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. In August, the food pantry was renovated to create a grocery-store-inspired efficiency for shoppers. The three areas of service they assist in are food, shelter, and support. GraceworksTn.org
Nolensville Food Pantry - Nolensville
Open Thursdays 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Donations to Nolensville Food Pantry include non-perishable items as well as fresh goods. This pantry partners with church farms receiving donated fresh food items. Debbie, director of the pantry, encourages that “anybody can volunteer.” Recipients of donations can “shop” the store for food items they need. They serve over one hundred families per week. NolensvilleFoodPantry.org
One Generation Away- Franklin
Open Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Upcoming mobile food pantries will be held on December 7 in Waverly at Waverly Central High School and December 14 in Nashville at Maplewood High School. No registration is required. It is a drive-through model with one cart per car. Their mission is “to share hope, honor, and dignity through food,” says founder Chris Whitney. Just show up to serve! OneGenAway.com
Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee- Nashville
Open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Second Harvest hopes to be a “cornerstone within the community,” said Pearce Barringer, Manager of Media and Communications at the non-profit. This food bank is a part of Feeding America Network and also serves to help during disasters. They assisted with the COVID-19 epidemic, tornado relief, the Waverly floods, and national disasters across the country, such as providing food relief after Hurricane Ian. SecondHarvestMidTn.org
St. Anthony Food Pantry at St. Philip’s Catholic Church - Franklin
Open daily church hours
Whether a neighbor or newcomer, all are welcome to choose what they need from the pantry anonymously. The pantry is stocked every day by Israel, a devoted member of St. Philip’s church. “They can come in whenever they need,” said Israel. The ministry provides essentials like food and clothing. The church pantry has been serving the community for about 16 years. They accept non-perishable food. StPhilipFranklin.com