ENCORE Ministry Foundation Announces McNish Food Security Grant Recipients
$100,000 Allocated to 20 Churches to Fund Food Security Ministries
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (February 3, 2026) — ENCORE Ministry Foundation (ENCORE), a nonprofit organization focused on ministry by, for, and with older adults in Christian communities, announced today the recipients of its Food Security Grant, a funding initiative made possible through the generosity of individuals and churches, McKendree Village Foundation, as well as ENCORE’s Kent and Ellen McNish Grant for Older Adult Food Security Endowment Fund. The program awarded $100,000 in food security grants to 20 churches to strengthen food distribution ministries serving older adults across their communities.
In response to growing demand for food assistance and the reduction of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, ENCORE created this special food security grant to deliver funding quickly and without barriers. Unlike most ENCORE grants, the Food Security Grant did not require matching funds, allowing churches to begin using the money immediately. Each selected church received a $5,000 grant.
More than 60 churches applied by the December 1, 2025, deadline. Initially, ENCORE planned to distribute $50,000 in grants; however, due to the overwhelming response and demonstrated need, the grants committee doubled the allocation to $100,000.
“This grant reflects our commitment to older adults,” said John Rivas, executive director of ENCORE Ministry Foundation. “In the last two years, ENCORE has stepped up to the highest degree to serve the population that sustains our church communities. When others are focused on youth within churches, we’re finding our stride to engage the gifts and talents of older adults.”
The food security grants must be used during 2026 and are already being deployed to support food pantry drive-thrus, food banks, community meals, grocery gift cards, and blessing boxes.
The 20 churches and organizations receiving the McNish Food Security Grant are:
- Adamsville First United Methodist Church
- Brownsville First United Methodist Church
- Camden First United Methodist Church
- Centertown United Methodist Church
- Columbia First United Methodist Church
- Connell Memorial United Methodist Church
- Covington First United Methodist Church
- Elders Chapel United Methodist Church
- Hamilton United Methodist Church
- Heartsong United Methodist Church
- Hillcrest United Methodist Church
- Holy House Of Prayer (formerly St. Luke–Aldersgate United Methodist Church)
- Iglesia Methodist Unida Ebenezer (Ebenezer United Methodist Church)
- Jacob Ladder Community Development Corporation
- Kirksey United Methodist Church
- Lafayette United Methodist Church
- Monterey United Methodist Church
- Morton Memorial United Methodist Church
- Nunnelly United Methodist Church
- Wiley Chapel United Methodist Church
“After receiving the food grant, we’ve seen more excitement, stronger support from our sister church, and renewed energy to expand home deliveries and better meet the needs of our community,” said Michael Kemp, program manager at Kirksey United Methodist Church.
Food security grant recipients were selected by the ENCORE Grants Committee, composed of board members and staff. Applications were evaluated based on the number of older adults served and the church’s demonstrated commitment to ministries focused on aging populations.
“Food security is central to ENCORE’s mission,” Rivas added. “We saw a need and wanted to help in the most direct way possible—by getting resources into the hands of churches that are already serving older adults faithfully.”
Looking ahead, ENCORE Ministry Foundation hopes to continue offering food security grants with the ongoing support of the Food Security Fund, as well as the Kent and Ellen McNish Food Security Endowment Fund.
To donate to the Food Security Fund, click here. If you would like to learn more about working with aging congregations, contact John Rivas at 615-660-3509 or .
About ENCORE Ministry Foundation
ENCORE Ministry Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to intentional ministry by, for, and with older adults. Through grants, partnerships, and age-friendly certifications, ENCORE equips churches to engage, support, and empower aging congregations. By addressing critical needs such as food security and elder care, ENCORE helps Christian communities honor the gifts, wisdom, and leadership of older adults while strengthening the church’s vitality. To learn more about how to meet the needs of an aging congregation, contact 615-660-3509 or .
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