Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Brittney Brown, Director of Mission Advancement for The Store, a nonprofit grocery store founded by Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams Paisley in 2020. The store operates on a choice-based model, allowing individuals and families struggling with food insecurity to shop for groceries with dignity, rather than receiving pre-selected boxes. Through partnerships with over 50 local nonprofits, The Store serves approximately 1,000 families annually, with plans to double that capacity with their new Centennial location. It costs approximately $1,000 per year to feed one family and the organization sources 90% of its food through purchases from various suppliers including Gordon Food Service and Kroger. The Store relies heavily on volunteers and financial contributions, with volunteer opportunities including scanning, bagging, and assisting shoppers, while financial support can be provided through monthly giving programs starting at $45 per month. The Store hosts several major events throughout the year, including a comedy night, back-to-school supply store, and Nashville’s Got Talent, with all proceeds supporting their mission of providing nutritious food and community support to those in need.
Summary
Choice-Based Grocery Model for Food Insecurity –Â Brittney discusses the organization’s unique choice-based grocery model, which allows individuals struggling with food insecurity to shop for groceries without stigma, similar to a normal grocery store. Founded by Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams Paisley, The Store opened in 2020, initially pivoting to home delivery due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a tornado. The organization partners with over 50 nonprofits in Nashville to provide food assistance and serves clients through both online sign-ups and referrals from partner organizations.
Collaboration and Efficient Food Sourcing –Â Brittney discusses the benefits of collaboration between organizations, emphasizing how it allows them to improve efficiency. Brittney explains that they purchase 90% of their food inventory to maintain a consistent selection for shoppers, sourcing from various suppliers including Gordon Food Service, Second Harvest, Kroger, and local farmers.
Feeding Families, Building Community –Â Brittney explains that their organization can feed one family for a year with just $1,000 by stretching their budget through partnerships. They plan to serve more than twice as many families now that they’ve opened a second location, with an average household size of 3 people. The program provides not only food but also community support, as shoppers are greeted by name and connected to wraparound services like financial counseling and mental health support.
Community Impact on Homeless Individuals –Â Brittney discusses the importance of community and dignity in their program, highlighting a story of an older gentleman who found a sense of belonging after experiencing homelessness. The gentleman, housed through The Salvation Army, appreciated the program’s community aspect, food access, and the presence of his service animal, Dodger, at the store. He felt at home and supported, emphasizing the program’s positive impact on individuals facing multiple challenges.
Community Support for Food Assistance –Â Brittney discusses ways the community can support their efforts, emphasizing financial contributions and volunteerism. Brittney explains The Giving Table program, which allows individuals to sponsor a family’s groceries for a monthly fee, and highlights the need for 268 volunteers per week to run both locations. She also shares that volunteering at the store provides a rewarding experience, as it allows volunteers to directly interact with and support the people they are helping.
Volunteer Opportunities at Food Bank –Â Brittney explains the various volunteer opportunities available at their organization, including tasks such as stocking shelves, scanning items, and counting groceries. She mentions that produce is not included in the item total to encourage people to take as much fresh produce as they want. Brittney also describes upcoming events like the toy store in December, where parents can shop for their children’s Christmas gifts, and highlighted the need for volunteers to support these initiatives.
Upcoming Events and Volunteer Opportunities –Â Brittney discusses upcoming events for their organization, including a comedy night hosted by Brad Paisley on April 19th, a back-to-school store in the summer, Nashville’s Got Talent on October 22nd, and a toy store in December. She encourages people to sign up for events and volunteer, mentioning that the comedy night typically sells out quickly. Brittney also highlights the involvement of corporate sponsors and talented individuals in their events, emphasizing the fun and mission-focused nature of their activities.
Vist https://thestore.org to learn more and get involved with The Store.
https://www.facebook.com/TheStoreNashville/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-store-org/
