THE BRANCH OF NASHVILLE INC

Programs

1. The food pantry is open for food pickup four days per week. Food is always free of charge to anyone with need. Registration is completed online from our website and an appointment scheduled for drive up service. Each household can receive food one time per month with an appointment but can receive one emergency box of food per month without an appointment. 126 appointments are scheduled per week with slots fully booked three weeks in advance. Older adults age 60+ do not need an appointment to get food each wednesday. On average, 165 older adults are served on wednesdays. The branch is a community partner for second harvest of middle tennessee, facilitating access to food for those who experience food insecurity. The food distributed is largely donated by second harvest, one generation away, area retail stores, churches and individuals. The branch distributed 15,344 carts of food totaling 1,253,624 lbs of food to 16,807 unique people in 2025. The pantry is staffed with three full-time, one part-time employees, and approximately 3,000 volunteers donating over 22,000 hours.

   $2,400,779 spentof which $2,133,270 as grants
   85% of program spending

2. The english language learning program hosted 313 students from 32 different countries speaking 22 different languages. Students came mostly from davidson, rutherford, wilson, and williamson counties in middle tn. The 22 classes - led by one full time teacher, 22 part-time teachers, one assistant, and 3 regular volunteer teacher assistants - were available daytime and evening by video, in-person or hybrid. Students studied in levels basic-5 plus advanced, meeting 1.5 hours each class twice per week for 40 weeks. Students normally complete one level per year. Cambridge university's venture curriculum was utilized. In addition to our traditional classes, we also incorporate conversation partners and themed simulations of life skills events. There was no tuition cost in 2025 for traditional ell; students paid the cost of the workbook, $43 per year. 15 students were enrolled in intensive ell, attending class 6 hours per week, with a fee of $300 per semester. Ten students attended advanced reading class with a fee of $150 per semester.

   $219,270 spentof which $439 as grants$25,221 earned by the program
   8% of program spending

3. Comprehensive care is available to all clients who want to address the root issues of their food insecurity. Clients are connected to community resources and have the option of working monthly with a staff member, intern or volunteer coach who helps them define their short term and long term goals. In 2025, 175 clients signed up for the program, and comprehensive care made 1,870 referrals to 50+ referral partners in the areas of workforce development, language acquisition, financial management, healthcare, immigration services, and more. Comprehensive care is staffed by one full-time staff member who is a licensed master social worker, 4-7 university interns, and 5-7 volunteers.

   $119,398 spentof which $7,500 as grants
   4% of program spending

4. Food pantry recipients aged 60 years and older receive specialized care at the branch. Seniors do not need an appointment to receive food on wednesdays and have a dedicated phone number in order to directly reach the older adult care manager. Seniors and disabled adults who qualify can receive home delivery of food by regular volunteers who report on the wellbeing of the senior if appropriate. To provide an opportunity for social engagement, the ranch hosts a monthly meet and greet. Seniors receive resource navigation help for accessing social security and medicare and other needs such as housing, utility assistance, medical care, and transportation. Of the 15,344 households served in the food pantry in 2025, 8,523 were older adults. While 56% of the food distributed went to seniors, seniors made up only 21% of the unique individuals served, showing a monthly reliance on food assistance. 1,055 deliveries were made in 2025 to seniors and clients with disability.

   $83,368 spentof which $757 as grants
   3% of program spending

The 4 programs described on its FY2025 Form 990, listed largest first by expense. Program spending in total: $2,822,815.