Looking Back at Nourish 2026
On July 16, 2026, we gathered for Nourish, presented by Kroger Zero Hunger Zero Waste Foundation, and what a night it was.
More than 300 guests came together around the table, helping raise more than $260,000+ to support the mission of The Nashville Food Project: bringing people together to grow, cook, and share nourishing food.
The numbers tell part of the story, but the spirit of Nourish is found in the people who make the evening possible. It was a celebration of community, collaboration, and connection, a night when the table became a place for generosity, shared purpose, and joy.
A Meal Created Together
This year’s chef lineup brought together Chris and Emma Baird of S.S. Gai, Son Pham of Eleven11, Sam Jett of audrey, Junior Vo of Noko Nashville and Kase x Noko, Michael Hanna of St. Vito Focacceria, and Jennifer Latham of Mama Bread.
Each chef brought a distinct voice and vision to the table, creating a multi-course meal shaped by different cultures, techniques, and traditions. Just as meaningful as the food itself was the spirit of collaboration behind it. Throughout the evening, chefs worked side by side, helping one another prep, plate, and bring each course to life with care and camaraderie.
That generosity of spirit reflected what Nourish has always been about: people offering what they have in service of something larger than themselves.
Looking Back and Looking Ahead
At Nourish, we premiered Past. Present. Future., a new film created in honor of The Nashville Food Project’s 15th anniversary.
The film traces the relationships, acts of hospitality, and shared commitments that have shaped this work from the beginning. It honors those who helped build The Nashville Food Project, reflects on the people carrying the work forward today, and looks toward what may still be possible when a community continues to grow, cook, and share nourishing food together.
We are grateful to now share the film beyond the room where it first premiered and invite our wider community into this reflection on where we have been, where we are, and where we are going together.
Honoring Amy Lee Bryant
One of the evening’s most heartfelt moments was the presentation of the Thomas Williams Golden Skillet Award to Amy Lee Bryant. Although Amy was unable to attend, her mother accepted the award on her behalf.
Established in 2017, the award honors a volunteer whose generosity, compassion, and dedication reflect the spirit of The Nashville Food Project. Amy has served faithfully for years, creating opportunities for others to participate and helping cultivate a sense of belonging wherever she volunteers.
This year’s presentation held particular significance following the passing of Thomas Williams earlier this month. As the founder of Nourish and the namesake of the Golden Skillet Award, Thomas helped shape the spirit of the evening from its earliest days. Though this was our first Nourish without him, his legacy endured in the hospitality, generosity, and joy shared around the table.
Honoring Amy was a meaningful way to recognize the volunteers who continue carrying that spirit of service forward.
Raising Paddles, Raising Hope
The evening’s generosity extended far beyond the dinner table. Guests contributed $72,330 in donations, including support inspired by a $20,000 matching gift that helped extend the impact of every contribution.
Because of the generosity of individual donors, sponsors, chefs, volunteers, and community partners, The Nashville Food Project will be able to grow, cook, and share tens of thousands more nourishing meals with neighbors across Nashville in the months ahead.
Nourish reminds us that a table can hold far more than a meal. It can hold memory, relationships, generosity, and hope for what we can build together.
Thank you to everyone who helped make Nourish 2026 possible.
With Gratitude to Our Sponsors
Nourish 2026 would not have been possible without our generous sponsors. We are deeply grateful to the following partners:
Nourish is one evening, but the work it supports happens every day.
Each week, The Nashville Food Project prepares and shares thousands of scratch-made meals, stewards community gardens and orchards, recovers fresh food that might otherwise go to waste, and works alongside neighbors to strengthen our local food system.
If you weren't able to join us at Nourish, or if you'd like to extend the impact of the evening, there's still time to make a gift. Your support helps ensure that more neighbors have access to nourishing food and welcoming community throughout the year.