After more than a decade in operation, The Little Pantry That Could had its last shopping day on Saturday – leaving a hole in the city. It was more than a free grocery store.

Founder/Director Stacy Downey built a family and provided outreach for housing, identification and medical care, in addition to groceries. Where will that leave folks in North Nashville who depended on the community?

We talk to a representative and a beneficiary of The Little Pantry That Could as well as people who manage other food pantries to learn why these resources are crucial in Middle Tennessee. 

To start the show, we talk to WPLN News criminal justice reporter Samantha Max about her interview with former TDOC Commissioner Tony Parker.

Guests:

• Ursula Heitz, board member of The Little Pantry That Could
• Doug Seegers, musician, beneficiary and supporter of The Little Pantry That Could
• Jasmine Ledsinger, director of programming at The Store
• Lydia Yousief, executive director of ElMahaba Center
• Ashley Anderson, executive director of Portland Pay It Forward

More:

• Photo essay of The Little Pantry That Could’s final weekend.