Country singer Brad Paisley and actress Kimberly Williams-Paisley are partnering with his alma mater Belmont University to build a year-round free grocery store in Nashville.
The couple announced the opening of "The Store" on Tuesday.
The Store will operate as a free grocery store that allows people to shop for their basic needs. According toThe Store's website, clients are giving the opportunity to come to The Store for a one-year period.
The Store will partner with Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennesse to provide both perishable and nonperishable items.
The concept was inspired by Unity Shoppe in Santa Barbara, California.
"We took our boys to Unity Shoppe to teach them about serving others and giving back to people in need,” said Paisley on the organization's website. “And we came away surprised by what the organization had taught us. Most people don’t want handouts. They want dignity and respect. Most people want to become self-sufficient.”
From their experience at Unity Shoppe, the couple decided to expand that idea to Nashville.
The Store's goal is to serve at least 3,000 people per year.
Paisley and Williams-Paisley will both serve on the Board of Trustees, with Paisley as president.
Copyright 2018 KXXV. All rights reserved.
