A word first
There is no shame in needing food.
Food insecurity doesn't always look like what people imagine. It's the family that makes too much to qualify for SNAP but not enough to make it to the next paycheck. It's the single parent choosing between groceries and gas. It's anyone running low through no fault of their own.
Every pantry and program listed here was built by people who understand that. They don't require explanations. They just want to help you eat.
Right now — summer 2026
Summer Harvest: free meal packs for kids
Spotlight programs
Key food resources
Nourish Food Bank
Nourish operates two local food bank locations serving Rutherford County. Bring a photo ID and proof of address. Income guidelines apply but are broad enough to cover most working families.
The Journey Home
Meals served daily. Breakfast Monday–Friday 6:30–8am; Lunch Monday–Saturday 11:30am–1pm; Saturday Supper 4:30–5:30pm. Also offers showers, laundry, case management, TN ID assistance, and more.
SNAP — Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP provides monthly food benefits loaded onto an EBT card, accepted at grocery stores. If you're not sure whether you qualify, apply — many working families do. The application takes about 20 minutes online.
WIC — Women, Infants & Children
WIC provides nutritious food, breastfeeding support, and health referrals for pregnant women, new mothers, and children under five. One of the most impactful and underutilized programs available to young families.
Full list
All food resources in Rutherford County
The table below lists every known food pantry, meal program, and food assistance location in Rutherford County. Hours can change — call ahead when possible.
| Organization | Phone | Address | Hours / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nourish Food Bank — Murfreesboro | 615-203-3963 | 1809 Memorial Blvd, Murfreesboro | Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri 10am–2pm; Thu 3:30–7:30pm. Once per month. nourishfoodbanks.org |
| Nourish Food Bank — Smyrna | 615-655-0697 | 130 Richardson, Smyrna | nourishfoodbanks.org |
| The Journey Home | 615-809-2644 | 308 W Castle St, Murfreesboro | Breakfast M–F 6:30–8am; Lunch M–Sa 11:30am–1pm; Sat Supper 4:30–5:30pm |
| The Salvation Army | 615-895-7071 | 1137 W Main St, Murfreesboro | Dinner M–F 5pm; Sa–Su 5:30pm |
| Greenhouse Ministries | 615-494-0499 | 307 S Academy St, Murfreesboro | Tue–Fri 9am–4pm. greenhousemin.org |
| Third Baptist Church | 615-893-8192 | 410 W McKnight Dr, Murfreesboro | M, W, Th 9am–2pm; Bring ID |
| St Rose Catholic — Bridge Ministry | 615-893-1843 | 1601 N Rutherford Blvd, Murfreesboro | Tues & Thu 10am–12pm |
| North Blvd Church of Christ | 615-893-1520 | 1112 N Rutherford Blvd, Murfreesboro | Food box; call ahead |
| Kingwood Church of Christ | 615-893-8618 | 115 E MTCS Rd, Murfreesboro | 1st Sat (perishables) & 3rd Sat 10am–12pm |
| Fellowship United Methodist | 615-893-4659 | 2511 Hwy 99, Murfreesboro | Blessing Box — outdoor, 24/7 |
| St Luke Catholic Church | 615-355-1784 | 10682 Old Nashville Hwy, Smyrna | Smyrna/LaVergne residents only; by appointment |
Building toward stability
Food is the floor, not the ceiling
Once your family's immediate needs are covered, the next step is a budget that makes sure it stays that way. The Financial Empowerment page has a simple first paycheck plan that takes about 15 minutes — and changes how you see every dollar going forward.