Brad Paisley and wife Kimberly Williams-Paisley teamed with Belmont University and Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee to open The Store—a free grocery store in Nashville that serves individuals and families experiencing food insecurities and financial hardship.

The Store was slated to open in mid-April, but due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and recent tornado devastation in Middle Tennessee, the grocery store is now serving area residents.

Brad noted via Instagram on March 17 that The Store is offering delivery to elderly residents in the area: “So, in light of changing times, @thestore_nashville is mobilizing delivery of a week’s groceries to our elderly neighbors in Edgehill and Berry Hill on Wednesday’s/Thursdays. If anyone needs to be included on this list, we urge them to contact info@thestore.org. Also We will continue to operate regular hours 1-7 Th/F 11-5 Sat for walk ins but please bring ID and either proof of income, proof of residence, or statement of unemployment for our recently unemployed neighbors.”

The Store operates as a year-round free grocery store that allows people to shop for their basic needs. Clients will be given the opportunity to come to The Store for a one-year period. There is no charge to those referred or to the people and agencies that send them. They may shop for food to supplement their income during times of crisis and as they work toward self-sufficiency.

Brad and Kimberly were inspired to get involved in the Nashville project after volunteering at a similar organization, Unity Shoppe, in Santa Barbara, Calif.

The Store is located at 2005 12th Ave. S.