For most kids summer break is a welcomed hiatus from the seemingly eternal days in the classroom. They spend two months rewarding themselves by throwing their schedule out the window and not giving a second thought to stopping by the pantry for their 5th snack of the day. Most kids wouldn’t know how to define the phrase “food insecurity.” 

But some kids do. 

Even if they are too young to understand the words, they know what it feels like. It feels like an empty stomach and an empty fridge– not knowing where the next meal will come from. 

The 2020 Covid lockdown exacerbated just how many kids depend on school lunches as their only meal of the day. The Shalom Zone in Gallatin witnessed this need in their own neighborhood and jumped into action. 

They partnered with Second Harvest Food Bank by setting up in a small pavilion near their location, and together they began handing out sack lunches to the local kids. Three years later, the Shalom Zone Street Feed Program has grown to distributing an average of 300 meals at six locations three times a week during June and July. 

“We have a location that enables us to see the needs in this community,” said Bethany Sullivan, Executive Director at Shalom Zone. “To fill that need and help those families is overwhelmingly rewarding.”

The Shalom Zone is not alone in this venture. A host of other organizations and many community volunteers have come together to make it possible. This year, Feed Sumner offered to fill the sack lunches and store them at their location before distribution. Street Feed is also sponsored by The Arby’s Foundation, DRP Construction, and the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. 

“It’s a great way to work with our non-profit friends to fill a big need in our community,” said Bethany. “It truly takes a village.” 

Every successful “village” needs a leader that works tirelessly behind the scenes to keep the wheels of progress turning. Conny Erlenbaugh bears the title of  Street Feed Coordinator but Bethany says she is so much more than just a coordinator.

“She is THE community volunteer,” said Bethany.

Street Feed and other programs at Shalom Zone are always in need of additional community volunteers. Bethany invites anyone in the community to check out their facility and find ways to serve. 

“It’s such a high demand program, and we welcome volunteers from many different organizations,” said Bethany. 

One such group has been nicknamed “The PJB Brigade,” otherwise known as The Ladies Choir at Hendersonville Baptist Church who make hundreds of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches every Friday. Without them, amongst many others, Street Feed would not be possible.

If you are interested in volunteering for Street Feed or other programs provided by Shalom Zone, check out their website.

Remember, every day is an opportunity to change lives.