Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Marcie Smeck Bryant, who recently was honored with the Social Justice Impact Award at the 2025 Strobel Volunteer Awards hosted by Hands On Nashville powered by United Way of Greater Nashville. Marcie Smeck Bryant is a retired strategic communications professional, who has been actively involved with The Nashville Food Project for over a decade, helping to establish and manage a weekly community meal program at Trinity Community Commons that focuses on food security and community building.

Through her work with The Nashville Food Project, Trinity Community Commons, and Feedback Nashville, Marcie has been instrumental in addressing food deserts, waste reduction, and supporting urban farming initiatives while emphasizing the importance of strategic planning and community engagement.

During the interview, Marcie shares her story and passion for serving others. She describes The Nashville Food Project's mission to grow, cook, and share food, focusing on community building and hunger relief. She highlights their three main components: providing 7,000 meals weekly, recovering and collecting donated food from various sources, and supporting urban farming initiatives. Marcie also details the partnership with Trinity Community Commons, which offers free meals, wraparound services, and neighborhood support through a community garden and upcoming supportive housing development.

Marcie then talks about serving on the board with The Nashville Food Project and their engagement in Feedback Nashville, highlighting the importance of strategic planning and addressing food deserts and waste in the city. She shares her personal experiences and insights gained through volunteering, emphasizing the power of taking action. Marcie wraps up talking about the significance of the 2025 Strobel Volunteer Awards' Social Justice Impact Award, and encourages others to find their passion and get involved in community organizations like The Nashville Food Project and Trinity Community Commons.

Visit https://www.thenashvillefoodproject.org to learn more about the Nashville Food Project. Visit https://www.trinitycommunitycommons.org to learn more about Trinity Community Commons.