Sumner County Food Pantry Sees Surge in Demand

Gallatin C.A.R.E.S. nonprofit serves 300 families per week as costs rise

Apr. 1, 2026 at 11:04pm

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Gallatin C.A.R.E.S., a Sumner County nonprofit that operates a food pantry and thrift store, has seen a nearly 100% increase in demand for its services over the last 18 months. The organization now serves over 300 families, or about 1,000 people, per week, providing groceries to anyone who drives up and says they are in need.

Why it matters

The sharp rise in demand for Gallatin C.A.R.E.S.' services reflects the growing economic challenges facing many families in the Sumner County area, with factors like inflation, high gas prices, and rising rents contributing to increased food insecurity. The nonprofit's ability to serve the community without requiring qualifications highlights the importance of accessible food resources during difficult economic times.

The details

Gallatin C.A.R.E.S. was founded in the early 1980s as a Christian nonprofit to provide short-term economic relief. The organization operates both a thrift store and a food pantry, with the food pantry now being its biggest program. Despite having a very small staff of just two full-time employees, the nonprofit is able to distribute groceries to over 300 families per week, with 95% of its resources going directly into programming rather than overhead. To handle the growing demand, another local food resource, Feed Sumner, recently donated an old refrigerator truck to Gallatin C.A.R.E.S. to allow them to store and distribute more food.

  • Over the last 18 months, Gallatin C.A.R.E.S. has seen a nearly 100% increase in demand for its services.
  • The organization now serves over 300 families, or about 1,000 people, per week on Wednesdays.

The players

Gallatin C.A.R.E.S.

A Sumner County nonprofit that operates a food pantry and thrift store to provide short-term economic relief to those in need.

Blake Parks

The Executive Director of Gallatin C.A.R.E.S.

Feed Sumner

Another local food resource organization that donated an old refrigerator truck to Gallatin C.A.R.E.S. to help them store and distribute more food.

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What they’re saying

“The food pantry is our biggest item here. We're serving 300 families a week their groceries. Over the last, probably 18 months, we've seen demand increase almost 100%.”

— Blake Parks, Executive Director, Gallatin C.A.R.E.S.

“Our staff here is very limited because all the resources here go to programs. Far over 95% of our resources in Gallatin CARES goes into programming and not wealth-building.”

— Blake Parks, Executive Director, Gallatin C.A.R.E.S.

“It's a requirement of folks serving in this line... to interact with every single vehicle here. Once you personalize this work and each family is individual to you... it changes everything.”

— Blake Parks, Executive Director, Gallatin C.A.R.E.S.

What’s next

Gallatin C.A.R.E.S. is in need of more donations and volunteers to help handle the growing demand for its services. Those interested can learn more by visiting the organization's website.

The takeaway

The surge in demand for Gallatin C.A.R.E.S.' food pantry services underscores the significant economic challenges facing many families in the Sumner County area, highlighting the vital role that accessible community resources can play in supporting those in need during difficult times.