The ongoing government shutdown has created real worry for families who depend on SNAP benefits to keep food on the table. While it’s not yet clear how long these programs will be affected, the possibility of reduced support is creating uncertainty for many across Middle Tennessee. And with more people facing layoffs and the holidays right around the corner, local food assistance is needed now more than ever.
This moment calls for community. It’s about neighbors helping neighbors and standing in the gap where support is needed most. Across Middle Tennessee, local food pantries and organizations are stepping up to meet that need by distributing food, preparing meals, and creating opportunities for others to lend a hand. Whether you’re looking for help or searching for ways to give back, here are some trusted places making a difference right now.
How You Can Get Help or Give Back
Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee
Get Help: Visit their Find Food portal to locate partner pantries and mobile food distributions near you: secondharvestmidtn.org/find-food
Main Office: 331 Great Circle Road, Nashville, TN 37228
Phone: (615) 329-3491
Hours: Varies by partner pantry. Mobile pantry events are held weekly across Middle Tennessee — check the mobile pantry schedule.
How to Give/Volunteer: Second Harvest serves 46 counties and partners with more than 450 local agencies. You can donate, host a food drive, or volunteer to help pack and distribute food.
Volunteer: secondharvestmidtn.org/volunteer
The HELP Center
Get Help: 213 W Maplewood Lane, Nashville, TN 37207
Phone: (615) 750-2145
Hours: Monday – Wednesday, 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Website: thehelpcentertn.org
Updates: The HELP Center is seeing increased need and is seeking volunteers to prepare food boxes, unload deliveries, and serve families. They are also hiring PRN helpers for their food pantry with daily pay available.
How to Give/Volunteer: Sign up online to volunteer or contact them directly to donate food or funds.
Catholic Charities Diocese of Nashville
Get Help: 2806 McGavock Pike, Nashville, TN 37214
Phone: (615) 352-3087
Website: cctenn.org
Hours: The Loaves & Fishes program serves breakfast and lunch at various locations. Visit volunteer.cctenn.org for details.
Updates: Catholic Charities is expanding its hunger relief programs across eight Middle Tennessee locations. They’re asking for church and workplace groups to host food drives or volunteer during the shutdown to help distribute food boxes and to-go meals.
The Branch of Nashville
Get Help: 41 Tusculum Road, Antioch, TN 37013
Phone: (615) 752-5941
Website: thebranchofnashville.org
Hours:
- Monday & Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (by appointment or emergency walk-in)
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (adults 60+ may visit one Wednesday per month)
- Saturday: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM (emergency boxes only)
Updates: The Branch is doubling its number of emergency food boxes from 80 to 160 per week during the SNAP benefit pause, aiming for 640 boxes each month. They also need drivers with trucks to pick up donations from local distributors.
How to Give/Volunteer: Donate non-perishables such as rice, pasta, canned tuna, vegetables, tomato sauce, cereal, lentils, and peanut butter.
Volunteer: thebranchofnashville.org/volunteer
St. Luke’s Community House
Get Help: 5601 New York Avenue, Nashville, TN 37209
Phone: (615) 350-7893
Website: stlch.org/thepantry
Hours:
- Tuesday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM
- Tuesday Evening: 4:00 – 6:00 PM
How to Give/Volunteer: Volunteers help unload trucks, pack boxes, and deliver food to families and seniors.
Sign up: stlch.org/getinvolved
The Nashville Food Project
Get Help: 5904 California Avenue, Nashville, TN 37209
Phone: (615) 460-0172
Website: thenashvillefoodproject.org
Updates: The Nashville Food Project continues to expand meal production and distribution across the city, coordinating with local partners to keep food flowing through the holidays.
How to Give/Volunteer: You can volunteer in their community kitchens or gardens or make a donation.
Volunteer: thenashvillefoodproject.org/givetime
Christian Cooperative Ministry (Madison)
Get Help: 201 Madison Street, Madison, TN 37115
Phone: (615) 868-6865
Hours:
- Monday & Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 12:15 PM
- Tuesday & Thursday: 10:00 AM – 12:15 PM
Updates: The ministry is seeing higher demand and welcomes food and financial donations to help support families in need.
How to Give/Volunteer: Donations can be dropped off during open hours. Volunteers are always needed to help stock and distribute food.
Unlimited Potential (Gallatin)
Get Help: 260 E Winchester Street, Gallatin, TN 37066
Website: unlimitedpotentialcdc.org
Phone: (615) 230-5906
Food Donations (Drop-Off):
- Location: Community Life Center Gym, 260 E Winchester St
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM
Financial Donations:
- Checks: Payable to Unlimited Potential. Mail to P.O. Box 1294, Gallatin, TN 37066.
- In the memo line, designate gas cards or baby formula if you have a preference.
- Venmo: @UPCDC
- Cash App: $UPCDC
- Look for Unlimited Potential Community Development Corporation.
Volunteer Info:
- Call 615-974-1477 or sign up at unlimitedpotentialcdc.org.
Notes/Events:
They host drive-thru mobile food pantries and seasonal distributions. Check their website or call to confirm upcoming dates and needs.
Temple Church
Get Help / Give Help: 3810 Kings Lane, Nashville, TN 37218
Phone: (615) 876-4084
Website: templechurch.org
Updates: Temple Church is collecting non-perishable food and organizing community service days to support families facing food insecurity. Contact the church office for donation drop-offs or volunteer opportunities.
Upcoming Food Drop-Off & Giveaway Events
Riverside SDA Church Food Box Giveaway
- Date: Monday, November 3, 2025
- Time: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
- Location: 800 Youngs Ln, Nashville, TN 37207
- Sponsor: One Generation Away
- Details: Offering 250 boxes of shelf-stable food and 250 boxes of fresh produce. First come, first served. One box per family.
Greater St. John M.B. Church Food & Coats Giveaway
- Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025
- Time: 8:00 AM
- Location: 2200 26th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208
- Partners: Metro Social Services and Second Harvest Food Bank
- Details: Kid coats and food boxes provided. Limited delivery slots available for seniors or those without transportation. Call 615-880-1606 to reserve by November 5.
Gallatin Food Resources & Mobile Pantry
- Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025
- Time: 9:00 AM
- Location: Unlimited Potential, 260 E Winchester St, Gallatin, TN 37066
- Partners: Second Harvest Food Bank and Gallatin Chamber of Commerce
- Details: Drive-thru food distribution. Also see local ongoing resources:
- Feed Sumner: 1121 Gregory Dr | feedsumner.org
- Gallatin Cares Food Pantry: 330 N Durham Ave | gallatincares.org
- The Sumner Center: 2100B Nashville Pike | thesumnercenter.com
- Sumner County Blessing Boxes: tinyurl.com/SumnerCoBlessingBoxes
Closing Thoughts
Even if SNAP benefits remain in place, the need for food assistance will continue. Families are still recovering from layoffs, inflation, and the ongoing cost of living increases. Every act of generosity (whether it’s volunteering for an hour, donating a few items, or organizing a small drive) helps lighten the load for someone else.
If you know of another pantry or upcoming food event, please reach out so we can keep this list updated for our community. Together, we can make sure no one in Middle Tennessee goes hungry.
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” — 1 Peter 4:10
