Free Entry To Nashville Zoo With Donations To 'Souper Bowl Food Drive'

Even as the new year unfolds, the ongoing pandemic continues to put a strain on Nashville families. From being frustrated with quarantines and lockdowns to facing financial hardships, many people are figuring out the best way to manage their situation. The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere is offering a chance for guests to safely enjoy a day at the zoo while also giving back to their community through its new "Souper Bowl Food Drive."

From February 7 to February 13, the zoo is asking for donations of shelf-stable food in exchange for a free admission ticket. To receive a ticket, donate a sealed container of four or more eligible items, such as canned food, jarred food, boxed food, protein bars, shelf-stable milk, among others. Each donation can result in a maximum of two tickets, which can be used anytime during normal zoo hours through the end of 2021. More information about the Souper Bowl Food Drive can be found on the zoo's website here.

The food drive is a partnership between Nashville Zoo and the Community Resource Center of Nashville, which helps people in the area facing difficult times. According to a statement on the zoo's website, the Community Resource Center of Nashville provided around $5 million in essential products in 2020 alone.

"For 35 years, the Community Resource Center of Nashville has been a supply line to the front lines of poverty," the statement reads. "Their mission is to empower partner agencies to maintain their focus on providing critical serves to Middle Tennessee's most vulnerable populations by relieving them of the burden of securing essentials like household products and food."

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