Brad Paisley and His Wife Kimberly Break Ground On Free Store in Nashville

Brad Paisley and his wife Kimberly Williams Paisley were on hand for the opening of The Store in Nashville, a nonprofit free-referral based grocery store which they co-founded.

Brad said, “Our goal is to give dignity to parents. They can go to The Store and shop in a completely normal way, from choosing the food to checking out, but with no money exchanging hands. The kids can even ride a mechanical pony out in front of The Store – no charge. Kids do not need the stress of wondering how their parents are going to feed them. In Nashville we have the power of the benevolence of the residents to support The Store.”

“I’m so excited to be here and see this dream come to fruition," added Kimberly. "In Nashville there are one in seven people and one in five children that have food insecurity. That means they don’t know where they are going to get their next meal. The Store will be another resource to help families and individuals going through a hard time but working toward self-sufficiency.”

The Paisleys have partnered with Brad’s alma mater, Belmont University, on the location of The Store at 2005 12th Ave. South, next to the University’s Ministry Center. Belmont University has begun offering Legal Aid Clinics at the center and plan to also offer healthcare services. Both groups will work closely together to serve the broader community in a range of ways. The location is convenient to bus routes and in the heart of Nashville’s ever-growing 12 South district.

-Nancy Brooks