NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – The Store, a nonprofit that operates a free, referral-based grocery store for Nashville families in need, has announced plans to open a second location on the campus of TriStar Centennial Medical Center. Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley are co-founders of The Store.
“When we opened The Store in 2020, we were grateful to be able to help our neighbors in need during a difficult year that included devastating tornadoes and a global pandemic,” said Brad and Kimberly. “It has always been our goal to expand these efforts. We are excited to announce that The Store will be opening a second location with our friends at TriStar Centennial to even better serve the greater community.”
The store is addressing the food shortage with a unique model. Customers can shop in an environment very similar to a traditional grocery store, choosing from fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, dairy and pantry items. The new location on the Centennial campus will offer emergency clothing for customers and will double the shopping space.
Store CEO Collen Mayer said the partnership with TriStar Centennial makes sense.
“From what we’ve gotten to know of their staff and their leadership, they place a great deal of value on human dignity and try to support people in a way that truly respects their dignity and their humanity. That’s so in line with the values of what The Store does,” Mayer said.
According to Mayer, the store operates entirely through referral partners. He said Centennial will be a great source of referrals now that they share a campus.
“If they see a need in the community, whether it’s their patients or others, they can refer people to us, and then we can enroll them in one of our programs to make sure we’re able to address that food insecurity and many other needs,” Mayer said.
The current location is on the campus of Belmont University, where Brad studied, and provides fresh, nutritious food and full service to over 700 families every other month while shopping.
“This area will be the first location where we will offer all free food, as well as additional storage and additional refrigerator space so we can offer things like fresh, healthy milk and eggs,” Mayer said. “We will have a wonderful volunteer area where volunteers can help put together the packages the store needs to distribute.”
Tom Ozburn, president and CEO of TriStar Centennial Medical Center, said this partnership is the perfect intersection between the acute care medical community and The Store’s offerings.
“If we can eliminate some of the uncertainties that could ultimately lead to health problems, we can improve the overall health of the population,” Ozburn said.
The store has launched a campaign to raise money to operate the second location and for future expansion opportunities. Donations can be made at thestore.org.
The opening of the new location is planned for summer 2025.
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