Welcome back to A Good Pour! Today, I had the privilege of speaking with Daniel Stephens, director of Feed Sumner, a nonprofit dedicated to addressing food insecurity in Sumner County. Daniel’s journey to this work is nothing short of inspiring, filled with moments where faith, community, and purpose aligned perfectly.
Answering the Call to Serve
Before taking the reins at Feed Sumner, Daniel served as a police officer in Hendersonville for 11 years. Transitioning from law enforcement to leading a food bank may seem like a leap, but Daniel sees it as part of a bigger plan. As he puts it, “God is the one that equips us.”
When his connect group leader at First Baptist Church Hendersonville asked him to consider leading the food bank, Daniel initially felt unqualified. But he quickly realized that his background in law enforcement and military service prepared him for the unpredictability and logistical challenges of running such a vital organization.
How Feed Sumner Helps
Feed Sumner is more than just a food bank—it’s a lifeline. The organization offers monthly distributions and takes drop-in requests, ensuring that no one in need is turned away. Volunteers even deliver food to those who can’t make it to the food bank, providing not just a meal, but also connection and hope.
One story Daniel shared speaks volumes about the culture of Feed Sumner. A volunteer, while delivering food, met a woman who described herself as a “prisoner in her home” because her car was broken. The volunteer took it upon herself to find a mechanic who donated the labor and another who provided the parts. Within a week, the woman had her car back and her independence restored.
“Helping people is about more than food,” Daniel said. “It’s about seeing their needs and activating the community to meet them.”
Collaboration: The Key to Success
One of the unique aspects of Feed Sumner is how well it works with other nonprofits in the area. “We are better together,” Daniel emphasized, highlighting the partnerships that allow them to serve more people effectively.
From coordinating with local health departments to leveraging the resources of other food banks, Feed Sumner knows that collaboration is the way to multiply its impact.
Staying Focused on the Mission
Running a nonprofit requires balancing compassion with operational strategy. Daniel and his team focus on what they do best: food. By staying in their lane and pointing clients toward other nonprofits for needs beyond their capacity, Feed Sumner ensures they can provide high-quality, consistent support.
Daniel’s approach is rooted in empathy. He reminds his team and volunteers, “Every one of us is just one or two decisions away from being in the same spot as the people we’re helping.”
Ways to Get Involved
Feed Sumner is fueled by volunteers, donations, and prayers. Here’s how you can help:
- Volunteer: Help with distributions or food deliveries.
- Donate: Financial contributions or food items are always needed.
- Spread the Word: Tell others about Feed Sumner and its mission.
- Pray: For the volunteers, the staff, and the people they serve.
Building a Culture of Care
At the heart of Feed Sumner is its incredible team of volunteers. Daniel attributes much of the organization’s success to their empathy, energy, and willingness to step up without being asked. “Your vibe affects your tribe,” Daniel said, echoing a favorite piece of advice he’s received.
Feeding Bodies and Spirits
Daniel’s work with Feed Sumner is about more than providing food—it’s about offering dignity, connection, and hope to every person they serve. Through prayer, partnerships, and persistence, Feed Sumner is creating ripples of change in Sumner County.
To learn more about Feed Sumner or get involved, visit their website or follow them on social media. Thank you, Daniel, for all the ways you’re pouring into our community!