In Middle Tennessee, where food insecurity continues to rise at alarming rates, The Store stands as a beacon of hope, dignity, and resilience. Founded by Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley, The Store operates not as a traditional food bank, but as a free grocery store where families can shop for healthy, nutritious food in a dignified environment. Every customer is empowered to choose from a wide range of options, including fresh produce, meats, dairy, and specialty items that meet vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free needs.
The Store’s mission extends far beyond filling shelves. By partnering with local organizations, the nonprofit integrates wrap-around services such as counseling, budgeting, and nutrition education to address the root causes of food insecurity. This holistic approach is designed to not only meet immediate needs but to help families build long-term stability and self-sufficiency.
Today, however, the need is greater than ever. Food insecurity is at an all-time high, and The Store currently has a waiting list of more than 2,000 families. “When we saw the need, we knew we needed an additional location that is three times the size of the current store,” said Colleen Mayer, CEO of The Store. The new location, set to open in early January 2026, will serve an additional 1,000 families each year.
Construction for the expansion began even before full funding was secured, underscoring the urgency of the mission. So far, $3.3 million has been raised, but $1.7 million is still needed to complete the project. The new location will also require doubling the number of volunteers to meet demand.
To deepen community engagement, The Store hosts monthly Lunch and Learn sessions, providing opportunities for individuals and organizations to discover ways to get involved. Whether through volunteering, sponsoring initiatives, donating resources, or spreading awareness, every effort helps move the mission forward.
At its heart, The Store is about more than groceries—it is about restoring dignity, nurturing families, and building stronger communities. With the new expansion on the horizon, the nonprofit continues to embody its guiding principle: Love at the Core. By working together, Middle Tennessee can ensure that every neighbor has access not only to food, but to the dignity and hope that come with it.
For more information or to get involved, visit thestore.org & follow along at @thestore_nashville.