NASHVILLE, Tenn. — St. Luke’s Community House, a vital resource for many in Nashville, has issued an urgent call for volunteers to help meet the growing demand at its food pantry. The nonprofit organization has seen a significant rise in the number of community members seeking assistance, and as a result, the need for volunteers has become more pressing than ever.
Claire Hirsch, the marketing and development manager for St. Luke’s, highlighted the increase in demand, emphasizing the organization’s continued commitment to serving the community. “In 2023, we provided almost 400,000 pounds of food to community members. In 2024, we’ve already provided nearly 600,000 pounds,” Hirsch said. “We can only imagine how much more we’ll be providing this year. The need is not going away, it’s growing.”
The food pantry, which operates with the help of dedicated volunteers, is designed to offer assistance to families and individuals facing food insecurity. Volunteers at St. Luke’s are given the important task of serving as personal shoppers for clients, helping them select pantry items that meet their needs.
Currently, there are only two to three volunteers per shift, which is not enough to keep up with the increasing demand. Hirsch emphasized that the organization relies heavily on its volunteers and is actively seeking more to meet the growing needs of the community. “We are always in need of more volunteers. The more people we have, the more we can help,” she said.
In addition to assisting at the food pantry, volunteers have the opportunity to help in other ways. They can pack non-perishable food boxes, which are then delivered to individuals who are unable to visit the pantry in person. These deliveries are made through Amazon and serve a crucial role in reaching those who are homebound. There are also mobile meal routes where volunteers can deliver hot meals to seniors and disabled adults in North and West Nashville.
St. Luke’s Community House continues to be a lifeline for many in Nashville, but the increasing demand has underscored the importance of volunteer support. With more volunteers, the organization will be able to provide essential services to even more community members in need.
For those interested in getting involved, St. Luke’s offers several opportunities to volunteer and make a difference. Hirsch encouraged individuals to consider donating their time to help meet the growing needs of the community. “Volunteers are the backbone of our operation,” she said. “We couldn’t do it without them.”
Anyone interested in volunteering can find more information and sign up through the organization’s website.
