Did you know that 1 in 6 Tennesseans struggle with hunger? Furthermore, a report in 2014 showed that 19% of Nashvillians live in poverty—with a staggering 39,000 households living on an annual income of less than $15,000. These are our neighbors, our kid’s schoolmates, and people we pass every day. As the cold months approach, they are not met with the joy of the upcoming holidays but with the familiar feeling of wondering where they can get their next meal.
When I first set out to write about food banks in Nashville, I was immediately overwhelmed—in a good way. The first list that I found yielded 113 results! While that’s an incredible testament to our city, the list itself was a little daunting to sort through. I’ve narrowed it down and featured one food bank per region of the city (including one in Williamson County). Having a food drive with neighbors, Sunday school classes, or just within our own homes could be a great way for our kids to see us giving back to the community. If you are looking for a way to do just a little more this holiday season, please consider one of these wonderful organizations!
North Nashville:
2nd Harvest Food Bank
331 Great Circle Road
Nashville, TN
615-329-3491
When: Donation times were not specified, so call ahead before making a drop off.
Most needed items:
• Peanut Butter
• Canned Meat (chicken or tuna)
• Canned Vegetables
• Canned fruit
• Pasta
• Cereal
If you collect over 500 items, Second Harvest will come pick up for you; however, with limited resources, they ask that you bring your donation in if at all possible.
East Nashville:
Martha O’Bryan Center
S. 7th Street
Nashville, TN
615-254-1791
When: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm (but morning times are the best times to make deliveries). Due to a small staff, it’s best if food is delivered to them. If a pick-up is absolutely necessary, they need a week’s notice so that they can schedule it properly.
Most needed items:
- Dairy
- Meat
- Fresh Food
- Baby supplies
A Second Harvest Distribution Center, The Martha O’Bryan Center serves over 5,000 people a year, making them one of the largest locations in middle Tennessee. They distribute over 1,000 emergency food boxes per month. When possible, in addition to food boxes—that include nonperishables, dairy, and meat—they also distribute diapers, formula, and dog food. They work with partners in the Nashville community to provide fresh produce when available.
West Nashville:
The Little Pantry that Could
4710 Charlotte Ave
Nashville, TN
W. Nashville United Methodist Church
(Back Ally Door – Across From McDonald’s Drive Through)
When: Open Saturdays 9:00am – 1:00pm
To Volunteer or Donate Items, call or text (615) 260-5769
Most needed items:
Canned chicken and tuna
Peanut Butter/Jelly/Honey
Canned Soups and Chili
Rice
Pasta and Sauce
Canned vegetables
Canned fruits (especially the low or no sugar varieties)
Ramen Noodles
Crackers and Oatmeal
Dry Cereals and Granola
Shelf-Stable Milk
Non food items:
Re-usable grocery bags
Tents and sleeping bags
Multi Viitamins for children and adults
Every week TLP helps 155-180 families and individuals. They are always looking for volunteers to help with food pickup and distribution.
South Nashville (Franklin):
Graceworks Ministries
104 Southeast Parkway, Suite 100
Franklin, TN
615-794-9055
When: Monday-Saturday: 9am – 4pm
Most needed items:
Both perishable foods and non-perishable items are accepted
Non food items:
Personal hygiene items
Cleaning supplies
Paper goods
Baby formula
Baby food
Diapers
Graceworks was founded in 1995 as a place to send families in Williamson County who needed food, clothing, and financial assistance. In 2014 they were able to fulfill 40,906 needs. They also accept donations of furniture and gently used clothes.
Downtown Nashville:
Luke 14:12
705 Drexel St at 8th Ave,
Nashville, TN
615-482-4123
When: If donating to Luke 14:12, they ask that you donate a specific item. Please let them know which item you are collecting by reaching them at [email protected] or 615-482-4123. They do not have the storage space to store many different types of food.
Luke 14:12 has been feeding Nashville’s homeless community for over 30 years and is one of the oldest continually operating soup kitchens in the Nashville area.
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