Tucked away in the heart of Gallatin, the Gallatin CARES Food Pantry serves over 1,000 neighbors each week—offering more than groceries, but dignity, hope and support to individuals and families facing unexpected challenges. What began as a simple outreach has grown into a vital lifeline for many in our community, ensuring access to healthy food, essential resources and compassionate care. Gallatin Lifestyle sat down with their dedicated team to learn more about their mission, the growing need and how each of us can play a part in fighting food insecurity—right here at home, with heart.
GL: Can you give us an overview of Gallatin CARES and the mission behind the Food Pantry?
GC: Gallatin CARES is a 501c3 non-profit ministry designed to offer temporary and/or emergency relief to families experiencing traumatic events that have disrupted their ability to make ends meet. Our Food Pantry provides groceries to these families so they can more productively use their income and needs.
GL: Who does the Food Pantry primarily serve, and how many individuals or families do you support each month?
GC: We serve families of all sizes and shapes. We currently offer both perishable and non-perishable food supplies. Our ever-increasing demand has us serving over 300 families per week, which means over 1000 people are fed each week with this program.
GL: What items are most needed or in highest demand right now?
GC: Our highest perishable needs are eggs, milk and meat. Our highest non-perishable needs are canned fruits, vegetables, tuna and chicken, and meals and soups.
GL: What is the best way for someone to donate—either food, funds or time?
GC: We accept donations through our website (www.gallatincares.org) or at our mailing address (330 Durham Avenue North, Gallatin, TN 37066). We welcome volunteers on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM.
GL: Can you walk us through what a typical day looks like at the pantry?
GC: Our activities actually begin on Tuesday mornings as we sort, bag, prepare and display our food for the week. We then distribute our weekly supply on Wednesday mornings. We use a drive-thru method where each family is served in their car. Volunteers interact with each family to ensure a positive experience.
GL: Would you like to address any misconceptions about food insecurity in Gallatin or Sumner County?
GC: Food insecurity does not just mean starving, homeless or poor. Healthy food choices are critical to the overall well-being of the family. If we can supplement this expense, our families can make wiser choices with their income. Additionally, children can eat more healthily if we provide fresh produce, meat, dairy and other items that supplement the typical food pantry's canned supplies.
GL: What do volunteers mean to your mission, and how can someone get started?
GC: We directly depend on volunteers at Gallatin CARES. Our total staff is six people, including four part-time employees. Volunteers are the lifeblood of our ability to execute the programs. Each week, we need 25-40 volunteers to distribute our food. No preliminary sign-up is required. Feel free to come by any Tuesday or Wednesday and check us out!
GL: Do you partner with any local farms, stores or organizations to keep the pantry stocked?
GC: This is truly a community event each week. Our partners include Second Harvest Food Bank, Publix, Kroger, Costco, Dollar General, Papa John's and many more local churches, corporations and friends.
GL: Can you share a story or moment that really captures the heart of what you do?
GC: On the coldest day of the winter, we were met by a lady who had put the last $10 of money into her gas tank. She told us she just prayed that we would be out on that miserable day. Hunger is not dependent upon the weather. That is why we never miss a Wednesday.
To get involved:
Gallatin CARES Food Pantry
330 Durham Ave N., Gallatin
www.gallatincares.org