Brad Paisley and wife Kimberly Williams-Paisley's nonprofit project, the Store, has officially broken ground — Paisley even got control of the crane!

The Store is lead by the Paisleys in partnership with the country star's alma mater, Belmont University. The free, year-round grocery store will gives people in need of assistance the ability to shop for their basic needs, with dignity. Individuals and families will be referred by nonprofit and government agencies for a one-year term.

There will be no charge to people who are referred (or the agencies that send them), and people people may shop for food to supplement their income during times of crisis and as they work toward self-sufficiency.

The Paisleys' goal with the Store is to help with hunger issues and form food security for those who may not be able to do so without assistance. Eventually, the organization plans to develop additional services beyond the grocery store, such as job training, cooking and nutrition classes.

Brad, Kimberly and Belmont University President Dr. Bob Fisher were on hand as they began construction on Wednesday morning (April 3), with the country star literally breaking ground personally on a backhoe.

"I’m so excited to be here and see this dream come to fruition. In Nashville, there are 1 in 7 people and 1 in 5 children that have food insecurity," his wife, Hollywood actress Kimberly, says. "That means they don’t know where they are going to get their next meal. The Store will be another resource to help families and individuals going through a hard time but working toward self-sufficiency."

"Our goal is to give dignity to parents. They can go to the Store and shop in a completely normal way, from choosing the food to checking out, but with no money exchanging hands," Brad adds. "The kids can even ride a mechanical pony out in front of the Store — no charge. Kids do not need the stress of wondering how their parents are going to feed them. In Nashville, we have the power of the benevolence of the residents to support the Store."

The Store will be at 2005 12th Ave. South, next to Belmont University's Ministry Center. The university has also started offering Legal Aid Clinics at the center and plans to also offer healthcare services.

See Pictures of Brad Paisley, Kimberly Williams-Paisley's Store Construction:

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