NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - The East Nashville Care Market served 60% more people this year than last year, which is an additional 500 people per month. It prompted plans for an expansion to meet growing demand heading into 2026.

What started as a food pantry now offers free clothes, toys, hygiene products and groceries.

“Right now we actually are bursting at the seams,” said Amanda Lutz with the East Nashville Care Market.

In 2025, the organization served 312,000 meals to 13,000 people and distributed 12,000 clothing items. Thirty percent of those served were under 18 years old, and 12% were seniors.

Deborah Moore, who has worked at the Market for 14 years, said they are seeing new faces regularly.

“We have been getting more people in, and it’s been spreading around the neighborhood,

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