Nashville, TN, August 29, 2025
A concise local guide to food assistance in Nashville and Davidson County, listing practical points of contact, eligibility, hours and what paperwork to bring. Includes Salvation Army, CSFP senior boxes, WIC clinics, Metro Social Services meals, The HELP Center, Neighbor Care Pantry, and Second Harvest SNAP outreach. The guide emphasizes calling ahead, carrying ID and proof of address or income where required, and asking staff for referrals if one program doesn’t fit. A central Metropolitan Social Services phone and address are provided to connect people quickly to emergency food and related support.
Nashville’s Food Help Roundup: Fast, Clear, Local — What You Need to Know
If you’re in Nashville or planning a visit and worried about how to find a quick meal or steady food support, here’s a straight-shooting local guide. This isn’t fluff — it’s a practical map to the food programs and pantries that serve Davidson County residents. Keep this page handy, call ahead, and bring the right paperwork so you spend less time waiting and more time eating.
The Salvation Army Nashville
- What they provide: Food, personal care items, short-term help with housing and utilities for crisis situations.
- Who qualifies: Low-income individuals and families in Davidson County and nearby areas facing a crisis.
- Bring: Photo ID for the head of household and proof of address.
- Where: 611 Stockell St., Nashville, TN 37207.
- Hours: Monday–Thursday, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Phone: (615) 242-0411 — check availability before you go.
- Online: https://migration.salvationarmy.org/Nashville/food–financial-assistance
Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) — Senior Boxes
- What they provide: Monthly food boxes for seniors (60+) with income limits.
- Who qualifies: Age 60+, residing in Davidson County, income at or below about 130% of the federal poverty level.
- Bring: Proof of age and proof of income.
- Pickup sites include several convenient locations — Martha O’Bryan Center, Catholic Charities sites, and Hillcrest United Methodist Church. Hours vary by site (mornings and afternoons available during weekdays).
- Phone: (615) 329-3491
- More info: https://www.secondharvestmidtn.org/feeding_program/csfp/
WIC — Help for Pregnant People, Babies, and Young Kids
- What they provide: Supplemental foods, health referrals, nutrition education for pregnant and postpartum people, infants, and children up to age five.
- Who qualifies: Families in Davidson County that meet income guidelines.
- Bring: Proof of identity, residency, and income.
- Clinic locations: Lentz Public Health Center, East Public Health Center, South Nashville WIC Nutrition Center, Woodbine Public Health Center. Each has weekday hours; some evenings on Tuesdays.
- Phone: (615) 340-5619
- More info: https://www.nashville.gov/departments/health/clinical-health-services/wic
Metro Social Services Nutrition Program
- What they provide: Congregate meals and home-delivered meals that are nutritionally sound for seniors and certain disabled residents.
- Who qualifies: Varies by program — generally age 60+ for congregate and home-delivered, with disabled-person exceptions for some congregate services. Home-delivered meals are for those confined to home.
- Bring: Proof of age, disability (if applicable), and residency.
- Phone: (615) 880-2292
- More info: https://www.nashville.gov/sservices
The HELP Center Food Pantry
- What they provide: Nutritious groceries and essential items for people and families in need.
- Who qualifies: Individuals and families facing food insecurity, including those with low or no income.
- Bring: Valid photo ID and proof of address.
- Hours: Monday–Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (closed daily 1:00 p.m. – 2:05 p.m.)
- Web: https://www.thehelpcentertn.org/pantry
Neighbor Care Pantry
- What they provide: Two to three days’ worth of staple foods based on household size for urgent needs.
- Who qualifies: Davidson County residents in urgent need of food.
- Bring: Proof of identity and proof of residency.
- Find out more: https://www.secondharvestmidtn.org/get-help/neighbor-care-pantry/
Second Harvest Food Bank — SNAP Outreach
- What they provide: SNAP outreach and application assistance at various locations across Middle Tennessee.
- Who qualifies: Individuals and families who may be eligible for SNAP benefits.
- Phone: (615) 310-0752
- More info: https://wttin.org/food/
For a central, fast point of contact, the Metropolitan Social Services office can also connect you to programs and emergency assistance: 3055 Lebanon Pike, Nashville, TN 37214. Phone: (615) 862-6400. Keep in mind program hours and eligibility can change, so calling first will usually save time.
Practical Tips from a Local
- Call ahead to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment.
- Bring documentation — ID and proof of address are commonly required.
- Ask about alternatives if you don’t qualify for one program; many agencies refer applicants to others that will help.
- If you’re visiting, some centers can still help in emergencies; carry ID and proof of address where possible, and contact the hotline numbers listed above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can get help from food pantries in Nashville?
Most pantries serve people who live in Davidson County and are experiencing food insecurity. Some programs have specific rules for seniors, pregnant people, or disabled residents. Always check eligibility before you go.
What documents should I bring?
Commonly requested items include a photo ID, proof of address, proof of age (for senior programs), and proof of income. Specific requirements vary by program.
Can visitors to Nashville get emergency food help?
Some pantries and services can assist visitors in emergency situations, but many programs prioritize local residents. Calling ahead is the best way to find out what help is available.
How do I apply for SNAP benefits in Nashville?
Second Harvest offers SNAP outreach and application assistance. You can call their outreach line or visit their website for current locations and times.
Are there programs for seniors?
Yes. CSFP provides monthly senior food boxes, and Metro Social Services offers congregate and home-delivered meals for seniors and certain disabled residents.
Quick Features Chart — At a Glance
| Organization | Who It’s For | Main Offerings | Hours / Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salvation Army Nashville | Low-income families in crisis | Food, care items, short-term financial help | Mon–Thu 1–4pm; (615) 242-0411 |
| CSFP (Senior Boxes) | Seniors 60+ with qualifying income | Monthly food boxes | Multiple pick-up sites; (615) 329-3491 |
| WIC | Pregnant, postpartum, infants, kids up to 5 | Supplemental foods, referrals, nutrition education | Weekday clinics; (615) 340-5619 |
| Metro Social Services | Seniors, disabled | Congregate & home-delivered meals | (615) 880-2292 |
| The HELP Center | Individuals & families facing food insecurity | Groceries, essentials | Mon–Wed 9:30–3:30; website for details |
| Neighbor Care Pantry | People in urgent need in Davidson County | 2–3 days of staple food items | Check Second Harvest listings online |
| Second Harvest (SNAP Outreach) | Individuals & families who may qualify | SNAP application assistance | (615) 310-0752 |
That’s the local lowdown. Keep this as a reference — Nashville has resources, and with the right paperwork and a quick phone call, you can tap into help when you need it most.
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Author: HERE Nashville
The NASHVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENashville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Nashville, Davidson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as CMA Fest, Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, and Nashville Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and Nashville Health Care Council, plus leading businesses in healthcare, automotive, and technology that power the local economy such as HCA Healthcare, Bridgestone Americas, and Asurion. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HEREMemphis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
