Nonprofit Musically Fed To Return To CMA Fest

Musically Fed has once again partnered with the Country Music Association (CMA) and announced its return to June’s CMA Fest where the nonprofit will continue its mission to combat hunger by collecting unused backstage meals to donate to those in need.

During this year’s CMA Fest, taking place June 6-9 in downtown Nashville, Musically Fed will be on site during load-in days and will deliver meals to local community organizations including Room in the Inn, Matthew 25, Safe Haven and Operation Stand Down. This week’s announcement notes that the nonprofit organization will also “rescue post-event catering, including produce, fruit, dried goods, prepared meals, and other unused food supplies from the three-day festival. These goods will be distributed to various agencies throughout the community.” 

Maria Brunner, the owner of Scottsdale, Arizona-based marketing firm Insight Management, started Musically Fed in 2016 in honor of her late husband, who was a proud Vietnam veteran. Musically Fed works with artists, promoters and venues to donate uneaten backstage meals as well as artist and VIP catering, to help feed veterans and people facing homelessness and food insecurity.

In addition to working with CMA Fest, Musically Fed’s ongoing partnerships include The Grammy Awards, The Hollywood Bowl, and The Rolling Stones’ Hackney Diamonds Tour. The organization has also worked with artists including P!NK, Maggie Rogers, Noah Kahan and Lake Street Dive, as well as festivals such as Lollapalooza and Innings Fest. 

“CMA Fest is one of the world’s largest Country Music Festivals, and we are proud to participate again, thanks to their commitment to sustainability and supporting various Nashville non-profits”, says Musically Fed founder, Maria Brunner. “Their efforts empower Musically Fed to rescue and deliver safely prepared meals to those in need throughout the community. This opportunity is made possible by the fans, CMA, and Country Music artists who come together from around the globe. Thank you!”

Brunner was honored as part of 2021’s Impact 50 list as well as one of the recipients of the Heroes of Live Award at the Pollstar Awards in Los Angeles in honor of her work during the pandemic. After COVID brought live events to a halt and many production professionals suddenly found themselves out of work, Musically Fed shifted its mission to distributing food to help those in the music industry who are facing food insecurities.