With help from a multitude of community members, several groups in Rutherford County work to alleviate hunger, providing for those with food insecurity.

The need for community resources supplying food for the hungry and the effect of local giving was seen even more clearly when the recent government shutdown paused SNAP benefits.

“It went a lot better than I expected,” said Sarah Carroll, an organizer of The Blessing Boxes of Rutherford County Facebook group. “I was a little nervous because I felt like everyone had been stretched so thin lately, but we got a great response.

“It seems like SNAP benefits have been restored, but there is still a big need for help. A lot of people still can’t feed their families properly.”

Daily throughout the year, these blessing boxes are emptied and refilled. The number of blessing boxes in our county has increased from about 40 last year to 60 this year, as people keep putting up boxes to help others.

Nourish Food Bank was able to stay open this year because of community support.

Various other organizations delivered or served meals during the Thanksgiving season, but for many, the need for food may arise any time through the year.

For those in the community unable to provide food for their family, these organizations exist to help. Those in a time of need can contact them to help bring stability to their life and household. Or, for those who would like to get involved in serving others and becoming part of a network that helps provide food, the Murfreesboro area has various nonprofit organizations that always seek donations and volunteers.

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Greenhouse Ministries

Greenhouse Ministries was established to assist the under-served with practical needs and education that inspires, builds skills and encourages.

Greenhouse Ministries gives out food through a grocery-style food bank, and they also have food drives. The food bank, called Spring House, is set up like a small grocery store, and clients may pick out items they need, with assistance from a personal shopper.

“Usually, people come in saying they need food or resources, or they might have had a house fire and need assistance,” said Makayla Sanford, public relations and marketing coordinator for Greenhouse Ministries.

The ministry was founded in 1999, when the founders noticed a gap in services to single moms and the working poor. These people often struggled to meet the basic needs of their families, although they worked full-time. Often, they make too much money to qualify for any assistance from government programs.

“A lot of times, the driving force of what brings people in is needing food, but we know that is usually a small part of what is going on, and there is a story behind it,” Sanford said.

To volunteer at Greenhouse Ministries, attend one of the regularly scheduled volunteer orientations, which are held on Wednesdays at 2 p.m., Thursdays at 10 a.m., and on the last Saturday of the month at noon. For specific events and immediate needs, email volunteer@greenhousemin.org.

To get food and other assistance from Greenhouse Ministries, go to their location at 307 S. Academy St. You can speak with a peer counselor to receive a voucher for services like food, clothing and hygiene products. You can also access specific services like a free legal clinic or free classes in various subjects.

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Blessing Boxes

The number of Blessing Boxes in Rutherford County has significantly increased this year as people provide for others in their community who are struggling with food insecurity.

Doug Caldwell, who organizes the Blessing Box group with Carroll, wrote, “We now have 60 boxes in the county, including three pet boxes. However, we continue to search for more locations. If you have suggestions, or especially contact with churches, please pass it along so we can hopefully add more locations. The need is still huge and will continue.”

Carroll said there is an even greater need around the holidays, especially when children are out of school.
Also, since the cold weather has come, people appreciate finding hats, scarves, gloves and Hothands in the blessing boxes.

Find more information about the local network of Blessing Boxes here, or visit the Facebook page The Blessing Boxes of Rutherford County, TN.

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Nourish Food Bank

Nourish Food Bank started over 40 years ago and still works to end hunger and build up a response to food insecurity.

Nourish started out as The Smyrna-La Vergne Food Bank before it became Nourish Food Bank. It is now headquartered in Murfreesboro with additional locations in Smyrna and Nashville.

Nourish serves approximately 3,000 people a month. Each person receives a grocery cart of food consisting of perishable and non-perishable items as well as personal care necessities.

Monetary donations help Nourish Food Bank purchase food in bulk amounts. They also take donations of food and can always use items like peanut butter, oatmeal, cereal and ramen.

To donate or for more information on Nourish Food Bank, visit nourishfoodbanks.org.

In-person donations of non-perishable foods can be dropped off from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Mon.–Wed. and 3:30–7:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Volunteers are also needed to help onsite.

To get help from Nourish Food Bank, visit the location in person during the same hours as above. You will need proof of identity, proof of income, and proof of address. After the intake, you will receive a grocery cart full of food.

Nourish Food Banks are located at 1809 Memorial Blvd. in Murfreesboro and at 130 Richardson St. in Smyrna; the Smyrna location is open from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Mon.-Thurs.

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Meals on Wheels

Mid-Cumberland Meals on Wheels provides home-delivered meals, and companionship, for local seniors.

Hot meals, planned by a registered dietitian and prepared in a commercial kitchen Monday through Friday, are delivered by volunteers to homes and to group meal sites, such as the St. Clair Senior Center.

“A hot meal and a good friend are two of life’s greatest enjoyments,” according to Meals on Wheels.

This organization focuses on providing meals, outreach, nutrition education, supportive services and recreational activities for individuals age 60 and older, as well as those with disabilities. For more information, visit mc-mealsonwheels.com or call 615-895-1870.

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Journey Home

The Journey Home is a Christian ministry that serves the homeless and disadvantaged in Rutherford County by providing basic need and support services that includes housing programs, meals, laundry and shower facilities and case management.

The organization focuses on helping individuals and families transition out of homelessness through resources, coaching, and support for issues like health/mental health, employment and addiction recovery.

Journey Home just opened its new location in October 2025. The new facility includes 10 short-term family units, a wellness clinic, a chapel, and a dining room.

Journey Home serves two meals a day in its dining room. They offer breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday, lunch and supper on Saturdays and Sundays.

To volunteer or donate to Journey Home, visit lovegodservepeople.org.

To get help from Journey Home, visit their outreach center during business hours, call them at 615-900-0400, or visit their dining room for a meal. Journey Home is located at 1207 Old Salem Rd., Murfreesboro.

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Feed America First

A faith-based organization based out of Murfreesboro, Feed America First has a simple mission statement: to provide food to those who feed the hungry. They receive bulk food donations that they distribute to about 150 partner agencies throughout Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi and Kentucky. With the help of hundreds of volunteers each month, they distribute one million pounds of food to feed about 40,000 families.

Most funding for Feed America First comes from individual donors and from fundraising events like the Drive Out Hunger golf tournament and the Dancing With the Nashville Stars Banquet.

For every $1 donated, Feed America First says it has been able to provide 10–15 meals to people in need.

To volunteer with Feed America First, contact Michelle at michelleolsen@feedamericafirst.com or call 801-589-9301.

Feed America First also encourages people to buy extra items at the store and donate them to a local Blessing Box.

For more information about Feed America First or to make a monetary donation, visit feedamericafirst.com.

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Photo, top, courtesy of Feed America First / Facebook