In the wake of Winter Storm Fern, Nashvillians have looked out for each other.
Mayor Freddie O’Connell declared a state of emergency on Sunday as a snow and ice storm caused power outages that peaked at more than 220,000 customers. Area officials including O’Connell and Nashville Electric Service executive Brent Baker projected on Wednesday that outages could continue for several more days, while 900 linemen work to clear downed trees and utility poles.
Top officials warn widespread power outages will last at least 'through the weekend'
Warming shelters are available at the Southeast Community Center, Madison Community Center and The Fairgrounds Nashville as well as all Nashville fire stations and Metro police precincts. Those without transportation can call 615-401-1712 to arrange a ride to a shelter. Four deaths have been linked to the storm thus far. As of Friday afternoon, a fifth death was being investigated.
Read the Scene’s continuing storm coverage here.
While Metro Nashville Public Schools are closed through Friday and the Tennessee General Assembly is on hold until at least next week, area businesses have begun to reopen and are offering resources as Nashvillians recover from the storm’s effects.
On Thursday, Brown’s Diner offered a free cookout, and The Equity Alliance and Official Wings hosted a “feed the block" event, while The ReMix Way offered food distribution at five locations.
Read on below for details on more community events and outreach opportunities.
Grocery Distribution
Jan. 30, noon-3 p.m.: Hot meals at Canvas Lounge, 1105 Fatherland St.
Jan. 30, 3 p.m.: Free mobile market at New Season Church, 1900 S. Hamilton Road in Bordeaux (bring your own bags and boxes).
Jan. 31, 8:45 a.m.: OneGenAway mobile pantry distribution at Centennial High School, 5050 Mallory Lane, Franklin.
Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee has an updated food distribution map.
People who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits who lost food during a power outage can file for replacement benefits here.
Restaurants and Meals
Jan. 30, noon-10 p.m.: Free hot chocolate and apple cider at the Tennessee Cobbler Co. food truck, 1312 McGavock Pike in East Nashville.
Jan. 30, 7:30 to 11 a.m.: Free coffee and WiFi access at The Chloe, 1906 Acklen Ave. near Belmont University.
Jan. 30, 31 and Feb. 1: Free hot meals from Mercy Chefs at Christ Church Nashville, 15354 Old Hickory Blvd. in South Nashville.
Ongoing: Free pork sandwich at all Edley’s Bar-B-Que Middle Tennessee locations “until all power is restored to our homes and businesses.”
Ongoing: Daily lunch and dinner at 1 p.m. and between 5:30 and 8 p.m. at Madison Community Co-Op, 752 Madison Square.
Ongoing: Resting Burrito Face is offering free burritos for those in need from 7 a.m. to noon on Friday and 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, 1200 Porter Road.
Jan. 30, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.: Free hot black tea at Eat the Bubbles, 3820 Charlotte Ave.
Jan. 30, noon to 2 p.m.: Nashville Farmers Market, NewsChannel 5 and Second Harvest are teaming up to give away 1,000 hot meals at the farmers market, 900 Rosa L. Parks Blvd.
Jan. 30: Free drip coffee at Eight Hand Roast at all three locations — mention their Instagram post to receive.
Jan. 30, noon-4 p.m.: AVO is partnering with Support and Feed to give out 150 plant-based meals to those impacted by the storm.
Ongoing: Potluck Teahouse is offering tea to those still without power.
Jan. 30: Barrel Proof and Love’s Alibi will provide packaged meals until they run out starting at noon and hot coffee and warmth to those in need.
Jan. 30, noon-3 p.m.: The Equity Alliance is hosting a "Feed the Block" at Haynes Garden Apartments, 2715 Whites Creek Pike, offering wellness checks starting at noon and meals at 1 p.m.
Jan. 30: Loveless Cafe is offering free meals to linemen in the Nashville area.
Jan. 30 and 31: Free soup with baguette slice at Turnip Truck Natural Market while supplies last.
Jan. 30, 5 p.m.: NY Butcher Brentwood is offering community meals buffet-style while supplies last.
Jan. 30, 31, and Feb. 1: Prince's Hot Chicken is providing free meals this weekend and will share updated times and locations on their Instagram.
Feb. 3, 4-6 p.m.: Free meals for families at FiftyForward Donelson Station, 108 Donelson Pk.
Hotels and Warming Centers
Jan. 30, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.: The Vanderbilt University Recreation and Wellness Center is offering showers, snacks, activities and a charging station at 2700 Children's Way.
Jan. 30, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.: The Nashville Predators are opening Bridgestone Arena as a gathering place to charge electronics and get a hot meal, 501 Broadway.
Jan. 30, 31 and Feb. 1: Lolu is offering free drop-in passes this weekend to those who need a reset from the winter storm at their spa. Email hello@lolulife.com to obtain a spot. Spots are limited due to capacity.
Jan. 31: The Harlem Globetrotters and Bridgestone Arena are offering 500 free general admission tickets to each of the two Globetrotters games on Saturday (2 and 7 p.m.) Each ticket includes a $10 voucher good for food and drink at arena concession stands.
Through Feb. 1: The Ryman is offering free admission to daytime tours to anyone with a valid Tennessee ID.
Jan. 31 and Feb. 1: Geodis Park will open as a warming center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pizza will be provided from noon to 1 p.m. both days, with family-friendly activities available all day.
Find a list of hotels offering discounts for locals through the Nashville Convention Center & Visitors Corp here.
Businesses offering free resources that would like to be included in this list can email hherner@fwpublishing.com
