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Allow us to introduce this local food resource

3 questions with The Nashville Food Project

An exterior photo of The Nashville Food Project's headquarters.

The Nashville Food Project operates in The Nations. | Photo by NASHtoday

DYK: One in seven Nashvillians don’t have access to the food they want or need.

Enter The Nashville Food Project — an organization bringing people together to grow, cook, and share nourishing food in hopes of alleviating hunger in our city. TNFP was incorporated as an independent nonprofit in September 2011, but began assisting Nashville residents as early as 2007.

The organization has between 50 and 70 partners in 2023, varying from senior and after-school programs to nonprofit organizations — think: MNPS, Fifty Forward, and the YMCA, to name a few. Chief Culinary Officer Bianca Morton answers some FAQs so you can learn more about TNFP, find volunteer opportunities, and donate resources.

Meet Bianca Morton.

Photo courtesy of Bianca Morton

What volunteer opportunities are available with The Nashville Food Project?

Currently, we do volunteer opportunities in our garden and in our kitchen. We do some best prep opportunities, where they’re processing glean items that we have. In our garden, they’re able to sign-up for groups or individual to help tend to the garden and get it ready for anything the on-site staff needs.

How does The Nashville Food Project receive its resources?

It’s kind of like an inverted pyramid. I would say 80% of our resources that we get have been donated or are gleaned items. We purchase probably 15-20%. These donations are coming from local farmers, local grocery stores, lots of different food service outlets, individual donations, and food drives.

What are three small changes Nashvillians can make daily to practice food sustainability in their homes?

I think those would be to think before you react. Is there another way I can use this? How many different times can I use this? What could I have done with this before it gets to “that point.” Be more intentional, think before you act, and just reuse.

Bonus: In a recent Innovator Dinner Series, Morton also suggested picking the “not as pretty” produce. These items, if they even make it to the floor, are oftentimes looked over.

Events

Today, March 22

An Evening with They Might Be Giants | Wednesday, March 22 | 8 p.m. | Brooklyn Bowl Nashville, 925 3rd Ave. N. | $35 | The group will perform “All of Flood.”

Thursday, March 23

Swig Cocktail Competition | Thursday, March 23 | 6-8 p.m. | City Tap House Nashville, 204 3rd Ave. S. | $35+ | Music City’s top bartenders will be competing for best craft cocktails — you’ll get to sample them and then cast your vote.
Troupe Vertigo | Thursday, March 23-Saturday, March 25 | Times vary | Schermerhorn Symphony Center, 1 Symphony Pl. | $30+ | Expect an outer space-themed program featuring Holst’s Jupiter (The Planets), Debussy’s Claire de Lune + film and television selections from “Star Trek,” “Close Encounters,” “Star Wars,” and more.

Friday, March 24

The Shindellas Single Release Party | Friday, March 24 | 7 p.m. | The Rum Room at Riddim n Spice, 2116 Meharry Blvd. | Free | Celebrate the Nashville trio’s new single “Last Night Was Good for My Soul” with music, themed cocktails, and a photobooth.
John Mayer Solo & Acoustic | Friday, March 24 | 8 p.m. | Bridgestone Arena, 501 Broadway | $145+ | This tour features solo performances by Mayer, leaning heavily on his acoustic guitar work with special performances on piano and electric guitar.

Saturday, March 25

Sparkle + Glow | Saturday, March 25 | 6-9 p.m. | Modfellows Art Gallery, 3655 Trousdale Dr., Ste. C | Free | Visit the exhibition’s opening night to see shimmering paintings by Kelly Brumfield-Woods and light-emitting sculptures by Andy Harding.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

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100+ more events

Finance

Average retirement savings by age: Are you on track?

SmartAsset matches you with vetted financial advisors in your area. | Photo by SmartAsset

Many Americans worry they’re not saving enough for retirement, and rightfully so. Do your current savings meet the recommended amount for people your age? Find out. 👀

The amount some people have saved may be shocking, but it’s not too late to seek advice. A financial advisor could help increase your returns and alleviate stress. Try this free tool to get matched with up to three vetted financial advisors serving your area.*

Financial knowledge = financial power

News Notes

Weather

63º | Cloudy | 84% chance of rain

Announced

Residential, personalty, and commercial property owners can request an informal property valuation review for the 2023 assessment year. The deadline to file is Monday, April 24 at 4 p.m. Follow these directions.

Opening

HiFi Cookies officially opens in the Fairlane Hotel on Saturday, March 25. The menu is curated exclusively for the new location, however foodies will still see some classic “hits,” too.

Coming Soon

51st Deli is launching a second location. The Nations sandwich staple will open “very soon” next to Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe at 3001 West End Ave.

Biz

Nicoletto’s Italian Kitchen will host its official grand opening at the new Donelson location (2619 Lebanon Pk.) on Friday, March 24 at 1 p.m. The location marks the eatery’s third overall and smallest at 512 sqft.

Sports

The Tennessee Titans have added three new assistant coaches to its staff: Matt Jones (offensive line), Tom Quinn (special teams), and Anthony Levine (special teams).
America’s VetDogs partnered with Nashville SC and Western Governors University to co-raise a future service dog. The lab is part of the organization’s Puppy with a Purpose Program® and will receive basic training with the club for ~16 months. Vote for his name.
MTSU will name its strength and conditioning center at the future Student-Athlete Performance Center after former MTSU Blue Raider and Tennessee Titan safety Kevin Byard. The athlete made a generous donation to the Build Blue Campaign, which has garnered more than $18 million in funds. (WTVF)

Festival

Nashville will transform into Artville Friday, September 29 through Sunday, October 1. The new three-day, city-wide festival in Wedgewood Houston and Chestnut Hill celebrates the city’s colorful art scene with site-speciﬁc works, immersive experiences, and indoor/outdoor retail events.

Travel

Breeze Airways is ceasing Nashville International Airport operations effective Monday, May 15. Flights that were booked after that date will be refunded. Breeze began service last May and offered flights connecting Nashville to Akron and Canton, Ohio; White Plains, New York; Hartford, Connecticut; and Tulsa. (Nashville Post)

Family

Who’s up for some friendly competition? Nashville Tabletop Day, a celebration of board gaming, returns to Nashville on Saturday, April 22 at Trevecca Nazarene University. Registration is open for the free event, which boasts 100+ play-to-win board games and food trucks.

Seasonal

Has spring sprung in your home yet? If you’re looking to get outdoors, this wipeable tablecloth is just begging for some alfresco dining, and these garden and herb labels will get you in a planting mood. Plus, this viral birdfeeder practically brings the birds inside with you.

Development

The Factory at Franklin announces new restaurants

A rendering depicting what The Skylight at The Factory at Franklin will look like.

We can’t wait to see this rendering come to life. | Rendering provided

Raise a glass to this. The Factory at Franklin’s Grand Hall bar will be called The Skylight + the mixed-use development is welcoming two new dining partners expanding to Williamson County — etch and Hattie B’s Hot Chicken. These announcements come hot on the heels of the upcoming “Sip & Sample” preview party to be held on Saturday, April 15.

Sip & Sample breakdown

The event is the public’s first opportunity to experience the reimagined Grand Hall. Tickets grant guests two drinks, discounted beverages, and food pairings from 10+ participating restaurants. The Factory is serving up options: Your choice between eight handcrafted cocktails created by bar manager Kristian Albarran and over two dozen small plates created exclusively for the event.

The Skylight fast facts

The Grand Hall bar’s industrial design pays homage to the building’s history and architecture. Namely, patrons will notice the bar’s focal point — patchworked amber and vellum glass panes. The addition reflects The Factory’s original clerestory windows. Other nods are seen on the cocktail list with names like “Quittin’ Thyme” and “The Potbelly.”

The Wrap

Today’s Edition By:
Skylar Webb

From the Editor

I’ve got a party favor for y’all... literally. I was able to tour The Nashville Food Project’s headquarters at 5904 California Ave. and learned about a few of the organization’s social ventures. Outside of donating, community members can also rent the facility for meetings and other events + have the Food Project cater.

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