The Store: Where Food, Dignity, and Community Come Together By Meghan Forte
Did you know nearly half of Tennessee families face food insecurity? In fact, 40% experience low or very low food security, making this a pressing issue in the state. That’s why my latest interview with Brittney Brown, Director of Mission Advancement at The Store, sheds light on an organization making a tangible impact. The Store’s mission brings exceptional and vital work to life, making a real difference in the community.
According to The Store’s website, its mission is “to combat food insecurity in Middle Tennessee with empathy, dignity, and respect.” The Store stands out for its unique, choice-based model, which prioritizes dignity, choice, and access to healthy food. The website also states: “Our model is based on dignity, choice, and the belief that everyone deserves access to healthy food and the support they need to thrive.”
As Brittney Brown shared, The Store’s origins trace back to Brad and Kim Paisley’s volunteer work at Unity Shoppe, a choice-based food bank in Santa Barbara, California. Inspired by their experience, they brought the model to Nashville, officially launching The Store in March 2020, just before the pandemic and the devastating tornado in
Nashville. Initially, it operated as a delivery model, but about a year and a half later, it transitioned into an in-person, choice-based grocery store.
As for the model of the store she notes, “On shopping days, customers check in at the Belmont Ministry Center next door. We have a limited space, so only about 15 shoppers can be inside at a time. They take a cart and shop just like in a regular grocery store.The number of grocery items they can take is based on their household size. This doesn’t include fresh produce or non-food essentials like toiletries, which we try to provide generously. After shopping, they check out at a register—though no money is exchanged—and receive a receipt to help them budget for when they graduate from the program. Volunteers assist in bagging and carrying groceries to their cars.”
Brittney also shared what sets the program at The Store apart. The Store offers more than just groceries — it fosters a sense of community. Brown explains, “We offer various cooking classes, including senior cooking classes, adult cooking workshops, and kids’ cooking classes. These programs teach participants how to prepare meals with the fresh produce and groceries we provide. We also hold financial literacy courses to empower people with money management skills. Many individuals never had the opportunity to learn budgeting, saving, and investing, so we aim to provide them with these essential skills.”
She also noted , “My job is to expand The Store’s mission in any way possible—whether through interviews like this, fundraising, planning events, or spreading awareness in the community. I focus on engaging people and inviting them to support The Store.”
Strong partnerships have been key to expanding The Store’s reach and impact across Middle Tennessee. Brittney explained, “Belmont University remains a key partner. The Store is located on Belmont’s property, and they continue to support us in various ways.”
She further emphasized the power of collaboration: “Instead of running these programs ourselves, we partner with about 50 nonprofits across Nashville. By working with organizations that specialize in different services, we can maximize our impact. For instance, we serve clients from shelters and veteran programs while they provide additional resources to our shoppers.”
Volunteers are the backbone of The Store, and Brittney emphasized their crucial role in keeping operations running. She expressed gratitude for volunteers, saying, “The Store relies heavily on volunteers. We have a small staff of nine, so it takes about 120 volunteers to run a single location. We are opening a second location later this year, which will require even more volunteers. Currently, we don’t have virtual opportunities, but in the future, we might introduce remote options, such as writing thank-you cards to donors.”
As Brown stated, “People come to The Store either through a nonprofit partnership or by signing up on our waitlist. Eligible shoppers must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. We intentionally set this threshold higher than some programs because many families work hard but still struggle due to high living costs.”
Brittney discussed the importance of The Store’s marketing efforts, fundraising events, and how these initiatives have further advanced its mission to make a positive impact in the community. She shared, “Over the past year, we’ve worked hard to refine our marketing strategy. One of our most effective initiatives is our monthly Lunch & Learn event. This gives people a chance to tour The Store, hear about our mission, and see the impact firsthand. It has significantly helped with fundraising and volunteer recruitment.”
Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley are also directly involved in the fundraising initiatives behind The Store’s success. Brittney stated, “One of our signature events is Groceries of Dignity – Comedy Without”, a comedy show hosted by Brad Paisley featuring well-known comedians.”
She continued, “Other signature events include Nashville’s Got Talent, a talent show where professionals such as doctors, judges, and business leaders showcase their hidden talents, and The Toy Store, a December event that provides families with a holiday shopping experience where they can choose Christmas gifts for their children.”
As The Store prepares to open a second location, its impact will only continue to grow. Whether through volunteering, donations, or attending fundraising events, there are many ways to support this vital mission.
How can we make a difference in our communities? One way is by helping our neighbors with empathy—through volunteering, donating, and dedicating our time to meaningful causes like The Store.
On April 13, 2025, the “Groceries with Dignity, Comedy Without” fundraiser will be hosted by Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley. The event will take place at Zanies in Nashville, Tennessee, at 6 PM. Tickets are available online.
The Store is open on Wednesday from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm, Thursday from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Saturday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Contact The Store at PO Box 128287, Nashville, TN 37212, call 615-460-8331, or email: [email protected].
A heartfelt thank you to Ms. Brittany Brown at The Store for taking the time to participate in this interview with Social Lifestyle Magazine. Gratitude also goes to the dedicated staff and volunteers at The Store for their unwavering commitment to addressing food insecurity with dignity. Lastly, sincere appreciation to Mr. Brad and Kimberly Williams-Paisley and Belmont University for their astonishingly wonderful work in making The Store a reality.
Professional Website
Address of The Store & Location Map : 2009 12th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37204
Contact The Store: PO Box 128287, Nashville, TN 37212
Phone Number: 615-460-8331
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