Talent show to benefit Nashville nonprofit fighting food insecurity

Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, August 27th 2025 at 12:09 GMT by WTVF
^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

Nashville’s Biggest Talent Show Aims to Feed Thousands of Families

On Friday night, 12th Street in downtown Nashville will transform into a glittering showcase of talent, and all the applause and standing ovations will go to a cause that matters: feeding hungry families across Middle Tennessee. The “Talent for Tables” event, organized in partnership with the Nashville Food Bank (NFB), will raise money and awareness for one of the region’s most vital non‑profit organizations. Though the pageantry and music may captivate the audience, the real stars are the countless families who rely on the Food Bank’s services every week.

A Night of Community, Music, and Purpose

The talent show, scheduled for July 14 at the historic Ryman Auditorium, is the largest single‑night fundraiser the NFB has ever hosted. The venue, a National Historic Landmark and former home of the Grand Ole Opry, will host a lineup of more than 50 performers—ranging from gospel choirs to up‑and‑coming indie bands, stand‑up comedians, acrobats, and even a local jazz trio that’s been nominated for a “Best New Group” award at the Americana Music Awards. In addition to the entertainment, there will be a silent auction featuring signed memorabilia from country stars, a craft beer tasting, and a “Speed Dating for Charity” that pairs donors with local food‑bank volunteers.

Tickets are priced at $25 for general admission, $35 for the “VIP Dinner Package,” which includes a pre‑show dinner with a local celebrity chef, and $150 for the “Platinum Package,” which offers a backstage meet‑and‑greet with the performers, a private table, and a limited‑edition “Talent for Tables” cookbook. According to the NFB’s finance officer, the goal for the night is $125,000 in direct contributions to the Food Bank’s “Emergency Food Assistance” program.

The Nashville Food Bank: A Lifeline in a Crisis

The NFB has been serving the Greater Nashville area for more than 30 years. According to its 2023 annual report, the Food Bank has distributed food to over 1.2 million individuals each year, including more than 45,000 children, 3,500 seniors, and 2,000 families in crisis. The organization’s mission—“to end hunger in the region by delivering fresh, nutritious food to those in need”—has been amplified by the COVID‑19 pandemic and recent economic downturns, which saw a 12% increase in households reporting food insecurity.

“We’re at a pivotal moment,” says NFB Executive Director Maria Santos. “Our shelves are fuller than ever, but the demand keeps growing. We need to keep the pipeline open to keep families fed and healthy. Talent for Tables is a perfect platform to showcase the community’s solidarity and to generate the capital we need to purchase fresh produce, expand our volunteer network, and run nutrition education programs in underserved neighborhoods.”

The Food Bank’s partners include the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, local grocery chains, and the “Harvest for Hope” collective—a group of chefs who donate excess produce each week. The NFB also works closely with the Nashville Community Food Program, which operates the city’s largest food pantry, as well as with the Tennessee Department of Health to provide nutrition counseling to low‑income families.

Community Leaders and Sponsors

The event has drawn a host of sponsors, including:

Ryman Hospitality Group – the venue that is hosting the event and is providing 15% of the ticket revenue to the Food Bank.
PepsiCo Nashville – a corporate sponsor contributing $20,000 in cash and providing free beverage sponsorship for the evening.
Tennessee Lottery – offering $10,000 through a community partnership program that supports local non‑profits.
The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame – donating a “Songwriter’s Tribute” that will be performed live, with all proceeds going to the Food Bank.
Local businesses such as Bluebird Café, Nashville Public Library, and Nashville Arts Alliance have each contributed items for the silent auction.

“Having such a broad base of support from both corporate and grassroots partners gives us confidence that we can reach our fundraising goal,” says NFB fundraiser Tom Hughes. “And it’s a testament to the fact that Nashville is a city that cares about its people.”

The Power of Giving: How the Funds Will Be Used

The NFB’s budget shows that the $125,000 raised at Talent for Tables will go toward the following initiatives:

Fresh Produce Procurement – the Food Bank will use the funds to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables for families participating in the “Healthy Meals for Families” program, which ensures that low‑income households have access to balanced nutrition.
Volunteer Program Expansion – additional staff will be hired to train volunteers for distribution sites, increasing capacity by 15% over the next year.
Nutrition Education – $25,000 will fund a new nutrition curriculum in 10 community centers across the Nashville metro area, with a focus on low‑cost, high‑value meal planning.
Emergency Response Fund – $50,000 will be kept in reserve for emergency food drives during unforeseen crises, such as severe weather or economic shocks.

“Every dollar we raise brings us one step closer to making food insecurity a thing of the past for Nashville,” says Maria Santos. “The impact is not just immediate—it’s long‑term. By investing in education and fresh food, we’re empowering families to build healthier futures.”

How to Join the Celebration

Tickets are on sale through the Ryman Auditorium’s official website, with a portion of the sale fee going directly to the Nashville Food Bank. For those who cannot attend, the NFB has set up an online donation portal at https://nashvillefoodbank.org/donate, where visitors can make a contribution or sponsor a meal. The event is also live‑streamed on the Food Bank’s Facebook and Instagram pages for supporters who cannot be physically present.

In addition to the official donation channels, local restaurants and coffee shops will accept “Talent for Tables” coupons. Every cup of coffee purchased on July 14, for example, will contribute $2 to the Food Bank.

A Night That Feeds a City

While the Ryman Auditorium’s stage lights and the roar of an enthusiastic crowd are the most visible aspects of Talent for Tables, the real success of the event will be measured in the number of plates of food delivered to families across Nashville, the number of volunteers hired, and the fresh produce that will find its way into kitchen counters across the city. It is an evening that celebrates the very best of Nashville’s artistic talent, while channeling that talent toward a cause that is as essential as it is human: feeding the hungry, one plate at a time.

If you’re in Nashville and want to be part of this historic night, get your tickets before they sell out, or consider making a donation online. Every contribution helps ensure that no family in the region has to go to bed hungry. After all, in the words of the NFB’s executive director, “We’re all in this together. When the stage is lit, let the food be the real show.”

Read the Full WTVF Article at:
[ https://www.newschannel5.com/news/talent-show-to-benefit-nashville-nonprofit-fighting-food-insecurity ]

Similar Food and Wine Publications

[ Mon, Jul 28th ]: KSAZ

St. Marys Food Bankbracesforincreaseddemandafter SNA Pcuts

N※N