We were lucky to catch up with The Mel Johnson recently and have shared our conversation below.
The Mel , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. One of the most important things small businesses can do, in our view, is to serve underserved communities that are ignored by giant corporations who often are just creating mass-market, one-size-fits-all solutions. Talk to us about how you serve an underserved community.
Our organization, The StoreHouse, is deeply embedded in serving underserved communities, particularly by addressing food insecurity—a fundamental and often overlooked aspect of daily hardship for many. We are located in Lanham, MD, and also recently expanded to Columbia, SC, reflecting our ongoing commitment to broadening our impact.
One powerful example that encapsulates our mission occurred during one of our distribution days. Maria, a single mother of three, shared her struggles with us. She had recently lost her job and was battling to keep her family fed and healthy. The stigma around seeking help was a significant barrier for her, but the pressing need for food was paramount. When she first came to The StoreHouse, it wasn’t just the bags of fresh groceries that relieved her burden but the warmth and acceptance she received from our volunteers. Maria’s story isn’t unique among the families we serve, but it highlights the critical need for supportive services that offer more than just necessities— they offer dignity.
At The StoreHouse, we serve around 1,000 families monthly, offering fresh, nutritious food at no cost. Our approach goes beyond mere distribution; we aim to nurture a community atmosphere where everyone is treated with respect and love, echoing our motto to “serve nutrition in love.” This mission stems from my personal journey as a stroke survivor, which profoundly highlighted the importance of health and community support.
By focusing on underserved populations, we not only address immediate needs but also strive to create a sustainable impact that empowers individuals and fosters a healthier community. Our efforts are supported by donations and partnerships, allowing us to continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I am the founder of The StoreHouse, a food bank dedicated to combating food insecurity by serving not only families but also other nonprofit organizations that aid underserved communities. My journey to establishing this organization has been deeply influenced by my personal experiences as both a stroke survivor and a sex trauma survivor. These challenges have not only shaped my understanding of resilience and recovery but have also fueled my dedication to providing foundational support to those in need.
Located at 4640 Forbes Blvd, Suite 110, Lanham, MD, and with a recently launched satellite in Columbia, SC, The StoreHouse serves approximately 1,000 families monthly. More than just a source of food, we provide the necessary resources for other nonprofits to effectively serve their communities, thus amplifying our impact far beyond our direct interactions.
Our operations are grounded in the philosophy of “serving nutrition in love,” ensuring that every interaction is filled with dignity, respect, and compassion. We believe strongly that our support should empower communities not just to survive, but to thrive.
I am most proud of our expansion and ability to serve over 15,000 families through direct and indirect services. This growth underscores the vital role of community and resource accessibility in building healthier environments.
For those new to The StoreHouse, we are more than just a food source; we are a critical infrastructure for community support and development. Our commitment is to ensure that no one—whether individual or organization—faces the challenge of food insecurity alone. Our story and our services are a testament to the belief that while our pasts may shape us, they do not define us.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
Building a strong reputation within the market for The StoreHouse has been grounded in several key factors that resonate deeply with both the communities we serve and our partners:
Consistent Quality and Reliability: By consistently providing high-quality, fresh food and reliable services on scheduled distribution days, we establish trust and dependability among the families and nonprofit partners we serve. This reliability is crucial for those who depend on our resources for their basic needs.
Community Engagement and Partnerships: Actively engaging with the community through local events, partnerships with other nonprofits, and transparent communication has been essential. These interactions help us stay connected and responsive to the needs of those we serve, which in turn fosters strong relationships and community support.
Mission-Driven Focus: Our mission to “serve nutrition in love” and the underlying values of dignity, respect, and empowerment resonate strongly with our stakeholders. This mission-driven approach not only differentiates us but also deeply aligns with the core values of our clients and partners.
Adaptability and Growth: Demonstrating adaptability in the face of challenges, such as expanding to new locations and increasing our capacity to serve more communities, underscores our commitment to our mission. This ability to adapt and grow has been vital in maintaining and enhancing our reputation.
Advocacy and Leadership: Taking a leadership role in advocating for food security and community health has positioned The StoreHouse as a thought leader in the field. This enhances our credibility and sets us apart as more than just a provider of services but also as a key player in broader community development.
Personal Story and Authenticity: Sharing my personal journey as a stroke survivor and overcoming other personal challenges has allowed me to connect on a more personal level with our audience. This authenticity in our storytelling fosters trust and a deeper emotional connection with our brand.
Each of these elements contributes to building a strong reputation by not only fulfilling the immediate needs of the community but also by embodying the values and vision that uplift and empower everyone involved
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
From a very young age, I faced challenges that could have easily steered my life off course. At the tender age of 14, a time when most young people are just beginning to forge their identities, I experienced a profound betrayal: I was molested by a family member. This traumatic experience could have been a shadow that cast over my life permanently. However, I chose a different path.
In the aftermath of the trauma, rather than turning inward, I found solace and strength in turning outward to help others.
Today, as the leader of The StoreHouse, my commitment extends beyond simply distributing food. It is about creating a safe haven where everyone, regardless of their background or current struggles, can find support and security. In every aspect of our work, from the welcoming environment of our food distributions to our collaborations with other nonprofits, we strive to ensure that safety and care are paramount.
The sense of safety we provide goes hand in hand with our mission to serve nutrition with love. We understand that physical nourishment must be coupled with emotional support to truly empower our communities. This holistic approach is what sets The StoreHouse apart and drives our continuous effort to not just meet, but anticipate and respond to the needs of those we serve.
My role as a community leader today is defined by the same principles that guided me when I was 14. It’s about more than leading; it’s about listening, responding, and creating spaces where people can feel safe and valued. I carry forward the lessons of my past, not as burdens, but as powerful reminders of the resilience and hope that we can foster together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.themeljohnson.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmjistorehouse
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tmjistorehouse
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themeljohnson/
