Why Publix Spent $10 Million to Save Food That Was About to Rot

In the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of pounds of fresh produce were about to rot in farmers' fields — because the restaurants that bought them had shut down overnight. Then Publix spent $10 million to change that. And they never stopped. That has helped feed thousands of people, through their partnership with the Feeding Tampa Bay food bank. It’s part of their combined efforts to end hunger. In this episode of Stick a Fork In It, we sit down with Brian West, Community Relations Manager at Publix, to hear the story behind one of Tampa Bay's most powerful community partnerships. As of May 2024, Publix has donated over 100 million pounds of produce to families in need — and Brian shares what drives a company that large to keep giving. From their founder's legacy to the moment a child cried happy tears over a carton of milk, this conversation will remind you why community partnerships matter — and how ordinary people inside big companies make extraordinary things happen In this episode: • The behind-the-scenes story of how a $10 million food rescue started in 2020 • Why produce was rotting in fields while families went hungry — and how supply chains failed everyone • The "Cereal for Summer" program and how it reaches kids across multiple counties • Brian's message to any nonprofit: "Don't be afraid to ask. The worst I can say is no." • How Publix's commitment to giving goes all the way back to founder George Jenkins in 1930 Publix and Feeding Tampa Bay have been partners since 2009. This is what that partnership looks like from the inside. If you care about hunger in our community — or you've ever wondered whether big companies can really make a difference — this episode is for you.