David Prince is a Partnership Manager with Second Harvest, where he helps strengthen partnerships that connect communities with nutritious food. Originally from Mississippi, David received his Bachelor of Science degree in Culinary Arts and brings two decades of food service experience to his work and is passionate about reducing food waste while addressing food insecurity. Today, he is highlighting one of Second Harvest’s valued partner agencies and the impact they are making in the community.
Each day in my role as Partnership Manager here at Second Harvest Food Bank, I work to connect our services to groups of all kinds. During Pride Month, I’m happy to highlight an organization that uses compassionate care to support our neighbors affected by HIV and provide food access & HIV support. Founded in 1985, Nashville Cares is the premier HIV/AIDS service organization in Tennessee. Since 2010, they have been an active and valued partner of Second Harvest, helping connect neighbors affected by HIV with nutritious food and compassionate support. What began with prepacked food bags has grown into a broader food access program designed to meet clients’ needs with dignity, choice, and care.
Meeting Nutritional Needs with Compassion
Clients living with HIV receive a variety of nutritional support services. Nashville CARES primarily serves adults, including a significant number of seniors. Through its pantry services, the organization helps supplement monthly nutritional needs and provides access to healthy food options for individuals and families living with or affected by HIV.
The organization has also recently designed a client choice store, open Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This model gives clients more flexibility and dignity as they select the foods that best meet their household needs.
Clients can shop from the CARES Store shelves using their monthly points, selecting from fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy, eggs, and various pantry items. They can choose what fits their medications, dietary needs, their actual life.
Nashville CARES also provides food support to clients who are unhoused or who live in situations where cooking is not an accessible option. There is also an emergency food pantry for those clients who have a need beyond the typical assistance provided each month. Today, Nashville CARES serves approximately 300 to 400 clients and their families.
A Mission Rooted in Community
The mission of Nashville CARES is to end the HIV epidemic, promote comprehensive sexual health and end sexual health stigmatization and discrimination through prevention, education, treatment, support, advocacy, and strategic partnership.
We are grateful for partners like Nashville CARES, whose commitment helps ensure that individuals and families have access to nutritious food, practical support, and compassionate care. Together, we can continue building a healthier, more connected Middle and West Tennessee.