Volunteer Spotlight
Volunteers are involved in every aspect of our daily operations, contributing over 1200 combined hours a month to the work of our organization. They come from all across Nashville – schools, universities, local businesses and faith communities. We are so thankful to have such a generous community helping us steward our important work.
Click here to learn more about the ways you can partner with The Nashville Food Project.
Hobson House
For the past fourteen months, residents of Hobson House have been volunteering with TNFP. They currently cook and serve a meal once a month for Operation Stand Down, a nonprofit providing support to homeless veterans. Hobson House is home for up to 15 individuals who are in transition from homelessness to independence and permanent housing. We hear that our kitchen volunteers often return to Hobson eager to share with their housemates the skills and recipes they’ve learned at TNFP. Residents are required to cook once a month for the House, so the concept of cooking for large groups serves them quite well.
For these men and women who have little, the ability to prepare and serve a nutritious meal is a wonderful way to give back to their community. We are grateful to Hobson House for their continuing commitment and support.
The Shipp Family
Between homeschooling, gymnastics, music, swimming and hiking, The Shipp Family – Preston & Sherisse, Lila, Ruby & Levi – manages to stay busy. Even with their full schedule, this family dedicates a Saturday afternoon each month to delivering sandwiches to Front Porch Ministries, a TNFP community partner in East Nashville.
The Shipp’s first learned of TNFP through a volunteer opportunity set up by their homeschool community. From the moment they became involved, they found it to be “a great way to serve God as a family.” Sherisse Shipp says it is not always easy to find opportunities to volunteer with young children and they appreciate how TNFP makes it possible to serve as a family.
This family-to-family connection is one reason they enjoy their time with the Front Porch community. Forming relationships with families Front Porch serves is rewarding. Sherrise says, “Each month we recognize faces and smiles. We know who likes extra mayo. We are beginning to share our lives and our struggles together. TNFP is allowing us to bless others with healthy food, and in return we are being blessed with new friendships and changed hearts.” The Nashville Food Project is certainly fortunate to have a place on the list of this energetic family’s favorite activities.
West End UMC
The Nashville Food Project is fortunate to count a number of community organizations among our partners. The youth group of West End United Methodist Church has been a valuable partner in our work for the past several years. The youth of West End UMC first became involved after a church member heard about the work of our organization. Today, this group does it all – driving the truck, making sandwiches and baking delicious desserts for our hot meals.
Nate Horner, a senior at Hume-Fogg and youth group member, saw an opportunity for service with The Nashville Food Project in addition to meal delivery. By incorporating our organization into his Eagle Scout Project, he donated the time and labor to construct a wooden composting system currently in use outside our main office. Other WEUMC members spent time volunteering in our Wedgewood Urban Garden over the summer.
When asked what keeps them coming back, the youth say this work helps them “to live out our church’s vision ‘To be the loving light of Christ, connecting and transforming.’” They appreciate how working with The Nashville Food Project help build their relationships with their neighbors and allows them to learn more about our city.
Also, volunteering is just fun they say. “The best part about volunteering is being with church friends, doing something fun, and helping others in the process.” We celebrate the hard work, commitment and giving spirit of West End UMC community. Thank you!
