Shows
Stick A Fork In ItHeroes of FTB 2025 - Part 2Feeding Tampa Bay is more than just a mission. It's a collection of people with so much heart, talent, and history they could have their own award-winning podcast. But since they're so busy providing help and hope to our community, we'll have to settle for meeting a few of them here. Welcome to Heroes of FTB, 2025 edition.On this week's episode you'll meet James, Kristin, Zachariah, Kim, and Kate — who each share the unexpected journey that brought them into our world, and the meaning they find in the work each and every day. Tune in...
2025-12-241h 42Stick A Fork In ItHeroes of FTB 2025 - Part 1Feeding Tampa Bay is more than just a mission. It's a collection of people with so much heart, talent, and history they could have their own award-winning podcast. But since they're so busy providing help and hope to our community, we'll have to settle for meeting a few of them here. Welcome to Heroes of FTB, 2025 edition.On this week's episode you'll meet Dan, Ashley, Marcellus, Toneice, and Nicole — who each share the unexpected journey that brought them into our world. And that's only half the fun! Next week we'll bring you five more te...
2025-12-101h 45Stick A Fork In ItClara Reynolds - The Tools We Take from TraumaIf you feel like the crises of the world are growing and multiplying lately, you're not alone. Clara Reynolds, President & CEO of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, recognizes how people are struggling with more and more problems, but don't have the tools or support needed to handle them. So what do we do? First, she says, we need to listen. Tune in to hear how her own journey through trauma led to helping others, and how the Crisis Center is changing the typical approach to social services in our community.Follow @FeedingTampaBay on...
2025-11-121h 00Stick A Fork In ItJulie Yurko - A Positive Future for Food ReliefIf you want to plan out the future of food relief in America, all you need is a background in fundraising, an infectiously positive attitude, and a cello degree from Northern Illinois University. Or at least, those are the ingredients that have helped Julie Yurko, President and CEO of Northern Illinois Food Bank, become a celebrated leader in the Feeding America national network. On today's episode Julie teaches us how to learn from the experience of others, how to energize the people we work with, and how to lean into the positive side of life while we do it.
2025-10-2257 minStick A Fork In ItAlexis Weaver - How to Turn Research into ActionWhat does a "think tank" actually do? Well, in the case of the Urban Institute, they compile tons of research about and testimonials from actual community members, and use that information to improve programs and policies that serve them. Alexis Weaver joins us today to explain how important it is to ensure that the things we think are helping people, are actually helping them. And how social services and governments can learn and grow from this work.Follow @FeedingTampaBay on social media to learn how you can help us grow from this work, too!
2025-10-0848 minStick A Fork In ItBrian Greene - The Truth Behind Food InsecurityHow is it possible that food banks are providing exponentially more meals to the community each year, but food insecurity is still growing all across the country? Brian Greene, President & CEO of Houston Food Bank, explains the problem in eye-opening detail. Tune in to learn how some nonprofits are changing their philosophy and approach to keep more people from slipping through the cracks.And follow @FeedingTampaBay on social media to see how you can help us do just that.
2025-09-2445 minStick A Fork In ItYvette Carter - From Homelessness to Transforming LivesOur dear friend Yvette Carter, Director of Open Arms Ministry and their food pantry, recently passed. So we're honoring her story and all of the endless love that flowed from her into the community by re-sharing the episode we recorded with her in 2023. If you're looking for some inspiration to lift you out of despair, tune in to hear her story of a journey from homelessness to giving hope to others. And let's keep building the world she envisioned together.Follow @FeedingTampaBay on social media to learn how you can lean in to help...
2025-09-131h 02Stick A Fork In ItMike Sutton - Home is Where the Hope isThe safety and comfort of home is a feeling we can all relate to, and an experience every person deserves. That is why, even as housing prices soar, Habitat for Humanity continues its mission of building prosperous and vibrant communities. Mike Sutton, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside, joins us to explain how affordable housing improves the very fabric of communities, and how the people who need it most are often those caring for us, our families, and our children.Follow @FeedingTampaBay on social media to learn more about our partners doing...
2025-09-101h 15Stick A Fork In ItMary Brown - The Future of Community SchoolsWhat is a "community partnership school"? A hub for helping EVERYONE from students, to parents, to teachers themselves! The Children's Home Society of Florida and its community partners are focused on expanding school offerings to include things like medical and dental care, mentoring, parenting classes, and even housing resources.They understand how hard it can be for children to get a good education when they're hungry or struggling at home, and how hard it can be for many parents to make ends meet. Join us on today's episode to learn how Mary Brown, Senior...
2025-08-2758 minStick A Fork In ItNatalie Taylor & Walter Allen - The New Age of NewsNews is changing just as much as the world that it reports on, but is still a fundamental source of information for us and our neighbors. That's why we invited Natalie Taylor (ABC News) and Walter Allen (FOX News) onto the podcast, to talk about what it's like working in broadcast media today — especially as a couple on different sides of the local news fence. Tune in and learn with us!Follow @FeedingTampaBay on social media to see how we're evolving with the times as well, and how you can get involved.
2025-08-131h 07Stick A Fork In ItJennifer Jacobs - Say Yes to the DresserDo you remember how exciting it was as a kid to get a new jacket or new shoes, and to show them off at school the next day? For over 20 years, Clothes to Kids has been making that feeling possible for children who have often had to go to school without socks, or wearing pants and shirts that don't fit. Jennifer Jacobs, Executive Director of Clothes to Kids, joins us on today's episode to tell us the story of how their journey started, and the joy she's helped bring to children all across Tampa Bay. Visit clothestokids.org to...
2025-07-3040 minStick A Fork In ItRachel Bennett - 10 Years of Epic ChefIn just a couple weeks you can watch our 10th Epic Chef event LIVE on YouTube (streamed by our partners @MORTampa)! Co-host Rachel Bennett returns to the podcast today to talk about what makes Epic Chef so special, and to enlighten us about the culinary scene of Tampa Bay. Tune in to learn more, and if you want to attend this year's Epic Chef event in person, visit FeedingTampaBay.org/EpicChef!As always, be sure to follow @FeedingTampaBay on social media for more updates.
2025-07-0248 minStick A Fork In ItConan Gallaty - Stories That Shape SocietyHow do you know which news sources to trust, and what stories are important for the community to hear? Conan Gallaty, CEO of the Tampa Bay Times, joins us on today's episode to talk about the history and importance of journalism in our country, and the state if digital information today. With so much information being blasted out at such high speeds, we're grateful that the staff of the Tampa Bay Times is so committed to getting the story right, and telling the stories that help keep us informed.Follow @FeedingTampaBay on your fav...
2025-06-181h 02Stick A Fork In ItDenis Phillips - Disaster Rule: Don't Freak OutAs a professional meteorologist and certified "weather geek" -- Denis Phillips is the man to turn to when skies are looking stormy. Many of you stayed tuned into his broadcast on ABC Action News during the hurricanes last year, and on today's episode he tells us what's most important to keep in mind for future hurricanes. If you haven't already heard our past episode with Denis, check it out to learn where his famous "Rule #7" came from, and how you can use it to stay safe this season!Follow @FeedingTampaBay on social media to learn how else...
2025-06-041h 03Stick A Fork In ItChantel Negron - The Long Road to Storm RecoverySeven months after hurricanes Helen and Milton devastated the West coast of Florida, many residents still have not been able to move back into their homes, or afford the expenses to get their lives back on track. That is why our friends at Grow Financial stepped in to provide direct support to our community in the form of direct recovery funding.Tune in to hear how credit unions like Grow Financial are geared toward community service, offering things like financial literacy programs to their members. And listen to the uplifting story of our neighbor...
2025-05-2136 minStick A Fork In ItAndrea McClellan - Farmers Grow Our FutureOne of the healthiest things you can do for yourself and the environment is support local industries -- and that's especially true when it comes to farmers! Andrea McClellan of M&B Dairy joins us today to share how her family provides milk to millions of families across Florida, and how partners like Feeding Tampa Bay ensure that milk gets distributed during summertime, storms, and even a pandemic. Tune in to learn how you can support local farmers, and stick around for the end of the show where we recap the most important takeaways!...
2025-05-0743 minStick A Fork In ItTim Marks - A Lifetime of Helping OthersFor decades Metropolitan Ministries has been giving people hope in our community by providing food, shelter, and human dignity. That is why our growing partnership with them is so meaningful, and why we're so grateful to have their president, Tim Marks, as the very first guest for our show's visual re-launch!Tim is entering a much-deserved retirement, and shares with us the importance of being a "servant leader". His journey is as unusual as that of many non-profit leaders, but his passion for telling human stories is familiar to us. Listen (and watch on...
2025-04-2354 minStick A Fork In ItBest of Stick A Fork In It - Leading from Lived Experience with Kareem SpratlingSome BIG CHANGES are coming to Stick A Fork In It!
While we're working hard behind the scenes to put everything in place, we wanted to take a moment to revisit some of our most popular and impactful episodes. In this next retrospective, we hear a story of food insecurity to stability from out own board chair, Kareem Spratling. Despite being an esteemed lawyer now, he remembers how he and his mother struggled with hunger in his youth -- and he wants everyone to see as clearly as he does that hunger exists in places you might...
2025-04-0939 minStick A Fork In ItBest of Stick A Fork In It - The Senior Struggle with Barb SmithSome BIG CHANGES are coming to Stick A Fork In It!
While we're working hard behind the scenes to put everything in place, we wanted to take a moment to revisit some of our most popular and impactful episodes. In this next retrospective, we share some tears and inspiration with our longtime volunteer, Barb Smith. This selfless human being has put other people first her entire life, and when it came time for her to be cared for, she was surprised to find that retirement wouldn't really be an option for her. Tune in to learn how...
2025-03-2659 minStick A Fork In ItBest of Stick A Fork In It - Shielding Veterans from Suicide with Dr. Damon FriedmanSome BIG CHANGES are coming to Stick A Fork In It! And while we're assembling all the pieces behind the scenes, we wanted to take this opportunity to revisit some of our most popular and powerful episodes. In this first retrospective, we learn how SOF Missions, led by Dr. Damon Friedman, has been rescuing veterans from suicide with the same physical, mental, and spiritual help that saved his own life after duty.
Keep an eye out for the big news announcement by following us @FeedingTampaBay on all social media channels!
2025-03-121h 30Stick A Fork In ItTraffic Blows But Gets Better the More You Know with Khalil RasheedOver the past six years our own Khalil Rasheed has gone from temp worker to Lead Driver and now Director of Logistics! And it wasn't just his calm, steadfast demeanor that got him there, but also how seriously he takes safety and planning, both on the road and in our warehouse. Tune in to learn how his experience managing military inventory brought him to Feeding Tampa Bay, and how he focuses on family during Black History Month -- which in his words, is every month!
Follow @FeedingTampaBaya to see our drivers and warehouse staff in action, and...
2025-02-2641 minStick A Fork In ItHas Flu-A Got You? with Dr. Rob Kopec of BayCareHow do we avoid catching and spreading the flu? Well, our friend Dr. Kopec says we can start by washing our hands, and remembering to cover coughs with our sleeves. But tune in to learn why the flu might seem worse this year, and what to do if symptoms seem particularly bad for you or a loved one! Let's keep each other healthy and safe, during flu season and beyond.
Follow @FeedingTampaBay to see how we're working with other community partners to bring health and stability to our neighbors, and how you can get involved, too.
2025-02-1222 minStick A Fork In ItHonoring MLK through Service with Dr. Samuel WrightWe're hosting our first MLK Day of Service at the new Causeway Center on January 20th this year, as a way to honor the civil rights hero by improving our community. And we invited our friend, Dr. Samuel Wright, to reflect with us on the meaning of the holiday, and what it means to serve. Dr. Wright served as the Vice Chair of the African American History Task Force of Florida, and founded the Black Heritage Festival in our community all the way back in 1999! So tune in to learn about his long journey as a freedom fighter, and...
2025-01-1545 minStick A Fork In ItHappy New Year with Thomas MantzWhat does a new year mean for Feeding Tampa Bay? It means leaning into new ways to learn and provide what our community needs. Join us for a fireside chat with our very own Thomas Mantz as we dig into what it means to go beyond food. We've built a home where services can gather, and tested it under stress -- now it's time to see what it can really do with help from our partners and neighbors like you.
Follow @FeedingTampaBay to see what services and partners we've brought into our world, and how you can...
2025-01-0139 minStick A Fork In ItHeroes of Causeway 2024 - Part 2After such a triumphant and challenging year, we've renamed our annual "Humans of the Food Bank" episode to "Heroes of Causeway"! The incredible people who have helped us settle into our new home, respond to back-to-back hurricanes, and level up our mission to end hunger are truly deserving of the name. Over the course of this episode and the next, we'll introduce you to nine of our colleagues from various teams and departments, so you can see who actually drives the work that we do, and how they do it. We're grateful to work with such compassionate and dedicated...
2024-12-181h 18Stick A Fork In ItHeroes of Causeway 2024 - Part 1After such a triumphant and challenging year, we've renamed our annual "Humans of the Food Bank" episode to "Heroes of Causeway"! The incredible people who have helped us settle into our new home, respond to back-to-back hurricanes, and level up our mission to end hunger are truly deserving of the name. Over the course of this episode and the next, we'll introduce you to nine of our colleagues from various teams and departments, so you can see who actually drives the work that we do, and how they do it. We're grateful to work with such compassionate and dedicated...
2024-12-111h 00Stick A Fork In ItLeveling Up the Fight Against Hunger with Roberto Torres of Blind Tiger CafeWe're grateful to have such a wide range of expertise and such a depth of commitment from our FTB board members. And that members like Roberto Torres (owner of The Blind Tiger Cafe) are willing to share their perspectives with us here on the show, to give our audience a peek behind the curtain. Tune in to hear Roberto explain the decision and process behind building our new Causeway Center facility, and some of the other awesome local projects he's helping to oversee as well!
Follow @FeedingTampaBay to see how things are progressing in our new home...
2024-11-2727 minStick A Fork In ItFinding Our Shared Nature with Roger Germann of the Florida AquariumToday's guest, Roger Germann, tells us that every person who visits the Florida Aquarium is helping them to preserve nature and provide a better life to the animals they care for. And they want to pay that support forward to the community as well, through partnerships like the one they've formed with us here at Feeding Tampa Bay. Tune in to learn about Roger's journey from a hardscrabble youth in Chicago, and how reconnecting people with nature has proven to be one of the most rewarding experiences he could have asked for.
Follow @FeedingTampaBay on social media...
2024-11-201h 08Stick A Fork In ItSupporting Our Veterans with Colonel DJ ReyesSoldiers often learn to suffer in silence, which is why it's so important that they have advocates like retired Col. DJ Reyes. His work with Veteran Treatment Courts in Florida have helped numerous service members turn their lives around and reconnect with their families and purpose. On today's episode, we learn what it's like to spend 35 years touring the world on active duty, and why so many of our military personnel find themselves struggling when they return home from a life of constant conflict.
Visit the websites DJ mentions on the episode to learn more about him...
2024-11-061h 06Stick A Fork In ItTaking Care of Kids in Hillsborough County with Rob KrieteAccording to today's guest, Hillsborough County has more teacher vacancies than any other county in the state. And as President of the Hillsborough Classroom Teacher's Association, Rob Kriete knows what he's what he's talking about. That's why he's encouraging everyone to visit voteyesforstudents.org to learn about the referendum that will be on general election ballots this November. This millage referendum (Hillsborough Referendum #2, at the bottom of the ballot) will provide more funds for teachers, bus drivers, custodians, and other workers who support our children, to ensure they're getting the best education possible. Tune in to learn more about...
2024-10-2336 minStick A Fork In ItCaring For Mental Health After A Disaster with Dr. Christina Canody of BayCareBayCare doesn't just specialize in providing care for your body, they understand the importance of taking care of your mind, as well. Dr. Christina Canody joins us today to talk about dealing with some of the suffering Floridians have experienced after being hit with two consecutive hurricanes, and also to introduce us to the On Our Sleeves initiative. As a Pediatrician, Dr. Canody has seen how many children struggle with mental health, and is hopeful that BayCare Kids can help. Visit BayCareKidsOnOurSleeves.org to learn more!
Follow @FeedingTampaBay on social media to learn about more partners and...
2024-10-1231 minStick A Fork In ItAre You Ready to Vote? with Lorena HardwickIf we want life to improve for ourselves and our neighbors, we'll need to get involved in the conversations that can change that for us. And one of the many ways that we can do that is through voting. Our own advocacy champion, Lorena Hardwick, joins us again today to explain some easy ways you can learn about and lean into the voting process in the coming months. Don't rely on social media or word of mouth to inform you, because there are simple websites that can help you understand what's on your ballot, and early voting locations so...
2024-09-1835 minStick A Fork In ItWho Are the Hosts of Stick A Fork In It?Can you believe there are already over 150 episodes of this show!? Give all we've seen and done in that time, and all the people we've met and talked to, we wanted to mark the occasion by revisiting the goal of the show, and the people working to accomplish it. Shannon Oliviero is the PR Officer of Feeding Tampa Bay, and Ev Malcolm is the Content Manager -- and together they've been telling the stories of our neighbors, partners, and teammates for almost 5 years! Tune in to learn about these two wonderful creatives, how the show has helped spread the...
2024-09-041h 01Stick A Fork In ItBrewing Up Legacies with Debbie YuenglingYuengling may have opened its famous Tampa brewery back in 1999, but did you know they are the oldest family owned brewery in the US dating back to 1829? Today, the sixth generation of four sisters are running the operation. Tune in to learn more from Debbie Yuengling as she shares their 'all family' culture and what it's like to grow into such a fun and inventive industry. Don't miss out on the concerts taking place on September 5th and 7th -- visit www.yuenglingcenter.com to learn more and get your tickets today.
Follow @FeedingTampaBay on social media...
2024-09-0139 minStick A Fork In ItLearning What Students Really Need with Lauren Leto of Brandon High SchoolThere are currently only two "community" schools in Hillsborough County, so as the Resource Teacher at Brandon High, Lauren Leto had to blaze a few trails to support her students. And one of the first things she found when she began talking to families in the community was that their most basic needs weren't being met. Before the conversation could start about raising the school's grade or overall test scores, students and families needed access to consistent, healthy meals, and to feel like they could count on someone to listen to and care for them. On today's episode we...
2024-08-211h 00Stick A Fork In ItUnderstanding that Food is Medicine with Phil Lee of Florida BlueIn Phil Lee's own words, Florida Blue is a "health solutions company" -- not just an insurance provider. On today's episode he explains what it means to focus on preventive healthcare, rather than trying to address issues once they've already started, and how having access to healthy food is such a key component in that endeavor. In the past four years alone, Florida Blue has provided over 180 million meals to residents across the state. And they plan to continue that mission through close partnership with Feeding Tampa Bay, and building infrastructure that can better connect people with the food...
2024-08-1457 minStick A Fork In ItPack the Pantries with ABC Action NewsFor YEARS our caring friends over at ABC Action News have been helping us raise awareness about the struggles, needs, successes and humanity of our neighbors around Tampa Bay. And on today's episode we have two of the crew's grade-A journalists, Sean Daly and Jillian Ramos, joining us to talk about our upcoming Pack the Pantries campaign, as well as the effect that media has in creating a better community. Tune in for laughs and learning, and check out our past episode featuring Sean Daly at the link right here!
Also follow @FeedingTampaBay on your favorite social...
2024-07-241h 05Stick A Fork In ItPrepping for Epic Chef 2024 with Thomas Mantz and Rachel BennetIf you've watched Feeding Tampa Bay's Epic Chef competition in the past, you know just how exciting it is to see the best culinary artists in the region face off head-to-head! This year is no different, except that Rachel Bennett, Executive Chef of The Stovall House, will be joining our CEO Thomas Mantz in hosting the live event. Tune in to today's episode to learn about Chef Bennett's history with the event, her history in the kitchen, and what you should prepare for starting later this month!
Thanks to our partners at MOR-TV, you can watch this...
2024-07-1050 minStick A Fork In ItHow You Can Help with Derek & Jason from FTBYou may be thinking that with our new community center on Causeway Blvd. Feeding Tampa Bay is all set! But the work is just beginning, friends. Now that we have more capacity to feed our neighbors, we have even more room for help from kind souls like you! Our colleagues Derek Ultican and Jason Prado join us on today's episode to explain how you can help us press on toward ending hunger in Tampa Bay, whether you have time, talent, or treasure to contribute to the cause.
Follow @FeedingTampaBay on social media to see all the opportunities...
2024-06-2644 minStick A Fork In ItBuilding a Brand with Katy ParsonsAs our mission has grown, the way it's represented has to grow, too. And we're so thankful to have had the experts at ChappellRoberts by our side for over 10 years, to help with that. We have their Senior Director of Brand Strategy, Katy Parsons, on the show today, to share what it's been like engaging with our community in creative and meaningful ways for so many years. Tune in to see how marketing goes so far beyond just colors and jingles, into breaking down barriers of understanding and possibility for the people who experience it.
Follow @FeedingTampaBay...
2024-06-121h 01Stick A Fork In ItHelping Kids Develop Their Future with Yvonne FryMany of us know how scary it is to leave high school and try to find your place in the big, wide world. So the mission of Workforce Development Partners is to connect those graduating students with real people who can offer them real opportunities, and support them in their transition to adulthood. Yvonne Fry joins us on today's episode to talk about where and why this mission began, and how it's grown to support dozens of schools in our region. If you have a grade school student looking at home, visit workforcedevelopmentpartner.com to see what kinds of...
2024-05-2959 minStick A Fork In ItChecking in on Cereal for Summer with Kathryn BurschOur annual cereal collection event is here! Every year our partners at 10 Tampa Bay help us collect TONS of cereal so that kids in our community can have breakfast every day, even when they're on summer break from school. Kathryn Bursch has been helping us coordinate this massive effort for a long time, and joins us today to share what she's seen of the community pitching in to help one another. And there's still time for you to get involved! Cereal for Summer runs through the end of May, and you can donate or learn more by visiting cerealforsummer...
2024-05-1516 minStick A Fork In ItGoing All In with Thomas MantzThere's no singular path to accomplishing our goals in life, and on today's episode our president & CEO, Thomas Mantz, shares the secret sauce behind his successes at Feeding Tampa Bay. The main ingredient? Help from others who care. Not only does everyone need a hand-up to get where they want to go in life, but we all need to help each other if we hope to live in a community that's both stable and thriving. And with the grand opening of our enormous new facility just a few weeks away, we're excited to give everyone a taste of what...
2024-05-0156 minStick A Fork In ItOrganic Farming Leads to Changing a Community with Jenise CarrIf you've spent enough time around Feeding Tampa Bay then you already know that food IS medicine! And the TampaWell project, created by our partners at Tampa General Hospital, is using that medicine to improve the health of our neighbors through a bright and sunny community garden. On today's episode we talk to Jenise Carr, the Food Pharmacy & Community Garden Manager at TampaWell, and learn all about the ways organic gardening helps us live longer while building community at the same time. AND she shares how those of us who aren't huge veggie fans can spice up our recipes...
2024-04-1733 minStick A Fork In ItCatching Up on Advocacy with Lorena HardwickAwareness of and involvement with the community around you is the most important part of advocacy work, according to Lorena Hardwick, our own Chief External Affairs Officer. It can be easy to get swept up in the frustrations we face in our lives, without knowing what we can do about them or how we can do it. But that's Lorena's specialty -- she stays on top of the important local and political developments that affect the lives of our neighbors, and acts to be their voice ensuring that families and children have what they need to thrive. Tune in...
2024-04-0341 minStick A Fork In ItWomen's History with Former Senator Janet CruzFormer Senator Janet Cruz still remembers how her grandparents' clothes smelled of cigars when they returned home from Ybor City's historic cigar factories. She recalls a childhood where neighbors shared cultural nuances and best of all delicious food! Growing up in Tampa helped create the passion that drives her to ensure that children and families throughout Tampa Bay have the resources they need to live happy and supported lives. Join us as we discuss Tampa's rich history, the struggles of growing up in poverty and the resilience of never giving in, an important conversation we can all learn a...
2024-03-201h 00Stick A Fork In ItGirl Power: Empowering Today's Young Women with Natasha PierreJoining us again on today's episode is mental health expert, Natasha Pierre, to help us honor Women's History Month by talking about how women can make the present a historic time. We touch on the importance of mentoring, how role-modeling starts at home, and how to have compassion for the people who might misunderstand you out in the world. This episode is chock full of other powerful insights as well, so tune in to celebrate how badass women truly are year round!
Check out Natasha's previous episode with us here
Find the book Natasha mentioned...
2024-03-0642 minStick A Fork In ItShielding Veterans from Suicide with Dr. Damon FriedmanTwenty years cycling between home-life struggles and military combat zones has taught Dr. Damon everything he needs to know about the importance of personal and interpersonal healing. After battling with PTSD and suicidal thoughts himself, his life purpose was revealed to him in the form of improving life for the men and women who sacrificed to keep their loved ones safe. On today's episode he takes us on a journey from juvenile jail cells to having his name honored in the Pentagon, and teaches us about all the physical, mental, and spiritual ways his organization (SOF Missions) is healing...
2024-02-211h 28Stick A Fork In ItLeading from Lived Experience with Kareem SpratlingThere is no better way to support our struggling neighbors than understanding what their struggles consist of, and how they can be helped. That is why Kareem Spratling is the perfect chairman for the board of Feeding Tampa Bay, and why we want to introduce you to him on today's episode!
In his youth, Kareem lived the experience of food insecurity firsthand. And as his life journey led him to positions of prestige, he never stopped pouring his time and effort into helping others find stability and dignity, too. Listen to learn about his journey from the...
2024-02-0738 minStick A Fork In ItNew Year, Better You! Integrative Medicine with Dr Tanuja Sharma of Tampa General HospitalDr. Sharma has returned (previous episode link here) and is helping us kick off the New Year with a better understanding of Integrative Medicine! She shares her individualized approach to each patient’s over all well-being and a few incredible success stories that reflect positive, healthy outcomes that have changed lives. We discuss the lifelong affects of "food trauma" and how it’s up to us to make a difference along with updates on our partnership with Tampa General Hospital and the innovative health programs available, that just begin with good nutrition.
For more information on Nutrition Education visit our webs...
2024-01-241h 08Stick A Fork In ItStudent Ambassadors Stepping Up for Feeding Tampa BayDid you know that Feeding Tampa Bay has programs for volunteers of all ages? On today's episode we talk about the Student Ambassador program, and meet two of the local college students using their knowledge and their voices to help fight food insecurity! Meet Gina and Adam, and learn how college students in Tampa Bay can get involved with their community, helping neighbors and making friends along the way. Then head over to FeedingTampaBay.org and learn about our other youth programs, Catalyst and Changemakers!
Follow @FeedingTampaBay on social media to see more of the fun, fulfilling...
2024-01-1033 minStick A Fork In ItHumans of the Food Bank 2023 - Part 2Your favorite yearly episode is here! Meet the inspirational human beings who act as the heart, the arms, the legs, and the soul of our mighty little organization. We talk passion and purpose with Roanna, Jack, Omar, Robert, and Jocelyn on today's episode! It truly takes a village to do the work we do, and we hope you'll join us in building it!
Learn more about our team and our programs on social media @FeedingTampaBay -- and visit our website, FeedingTampaBay.org, to see how you can get involved in the fight to end hunger.
2023-12-271h 38Stick A Fork In ItHumans of the Food Bank 2023 - Part 1Your favorite yearly episode is here! Meet the inspirational human beings who act as the heart, the arms, the legs, and the soul of our mighty little organization. We talk passion and purpose with Sarah, Chris, Lorena, and Scott on today's episode, and have FIVE MORE team members for you to meet next time! It truly takes a village to do the work we do, and we hope you'll join us in building it!
Learn more about our team and our programs on social media @FeedingTampaBay -- and visit our website, FeedingTampaBay.org, to see how you...
2023-12-131h 08Stick A Fork In ItBig Things Are Coming ft. Matt Boswell of ChappellRobertsThe ChappellRoberts marketing agency is the creative force behind so many of Feeding Tampa Bay's bright, inspiring campaigns each year. And on today's episode, we'd like to introduce you to their Chief Creative Officer, Matt Boswell. We talk about what it's like trying to keep a creative spirit alive in a world that doesn't always know how to nurture that kind of person, and how ChappellRoberts dreams up marketing projects like or current "Big Things Are Happening" campaign. Visit https://feedingtampabay.org/bigthings to experience our interactive art exhibition, travelling the Tampa Bay region to connect with the community...
2023-11-2944 minStick A Fork In ItHelping Tackle Hunger ft. Markees Watts of the Tampa Bay BuccaneersTampa Bay Bucs Linebacker Markees Watts says he is blessed to have always had support along his journey to the NFL. And he knows how much of a difference it makes to have people believe in you. That's why he was so intent on finding ways to support the community of Feeding Tampa Bay when he arrived here from Lancaster, SC. Listen to learn how Markees went from playing 8th grade football to being one of the tiny percentage of players who actually make it to the big leagues, and how complicated that process actually is when you aren't...
2023-11-1544 minStick A Fork In ItHow the V.A. Helps Veterans ft. Dr. Chad Radwan & David CarasWe're all aware that life can be difficult for an active duty soldier, but extreme difficulties can also pile up in different ways for retired veterans. Many of them struggle to reintegrate into normal, everyday life, and may not have enough money to cover food and housing costs. And that's not even mentioning the challenges they face from physical or mental trauma they've endured. On today's episode we hear from Dr. Chad Radwan, a veteran-care researcher from the James A. Haley Veteran's Hospital, and his friend David Caras, a veteran who leads support groups and other programs to help...
2023-11-011h 03Stick A Fork In ItMore Than A Meal ft. Matt Spence & Kaity ChewningOne surprising fact that has become clear in all our decades of food banking is this: food alone can't end hunger. That's why our colleagues like Matt and Kaity work so tirelessly to develop and improve programs that provide people with access to more than a just a meal. Tune in to learn how our work provides neighbors in need with healthcare, shelter, and financial self-sufficiency -- and how absolute human gems like Kaity find their way to working alongside us on our mission!
Follow @FeedingTampaBay on social media to see our programs in action, and learn...
2023-10-1854 minStick A Fork In ItRun, Thomas, Run! ft. Jessica SpitsenOur President and CEO, Thomas Mantz, is running in the Chicago Marathon on Sunday 10/8! He personally runs for better health, but this time he is running to better the health of others. And running right alongside him will be his daughter, Jessica -- who joins us on today's show to talk about her love of running and the training she and Thomas have been doing over the years.
You can join them in helping to create memories around the table for families served by both Feeding Tampa Bay and the Northern Illinois Food Bank. Go to https...
2023-10-0423 minStick A Fork In ItHealthcare Ending Hunger ft. Lisa Bell of BayCare Health SystemAccess to healthy food helps to prevent so many long-term medical issues, that's why BayCare works so closely with Feeding Tampa Bay to ensure that our neighbors can get that much-needed access. Whether they're funding school pantries, sending medical patients home with bags of food, or staffing an on-site clinic at the FTB warehouse, BayCare is in it for the long haul when it comes to ending hunger. Tune in to hear from Lisa Bell, BayCare's Director of Community Benefit -- as well as our show's own former host, Matt Spence! He and Lisa have been brainstorming together for...
2023-09-2053 minStick A Fork In ItGetting A Nutritional Education ft. Kelley Brickfield & Samantha Wholley of The FTB Nutrition Education TeamGrowing up, many of us don't learn all of the ins and outs of what truly goes into a healthy diet. Then when money is tight and stress is high, it can be even more difficult to think about nutrition on a daily basis. That is why the Nutrition Education team was formed at Feeding Tampa Bay -- to ensure our neighbors are getting the healthy food, and the nutritional information they need when they visit our programs. On today's episode Kelley Brickfield and Samantha Wholley explain how their team works, and provide insight into some common misunderstandings about...
2023-09-1339 minStick A Fork In ItFamilies Helping Families ft. The Coles of Corbett ElementaryAt Feeding Tampa Bay, we create opportunities for neighbors of all ages to get involved in helping their community. We even have specific volunteer groups composed of kids, teens, and young adults, to help them engage and learn at their level -- and that's the focus of today's show. You'll get to meet two of our Community Engagement team members, who create a fun and feel-good experience for the folks helping us end hunger. And they'll set the stage for the stars of today's show: The Cole family. This loving bunch of giving hearts have restructured their very lives...
2023-08-0949 minStick A Fork In ItCooking Up Compassion at Epic Chef Pt. II ft. Mise en Place Co-founder Maryann FerencLast week we had a tasty conversation with Chef Marty Blitz of the famous Tampa restaurant, Mise en Place. And the multi-course meal wouldn't be complete without introducing you to Mise en Place's co-founder, Maryann Ferenc! Maryann has spent decades developing a recipe for success in the restaurant industry, and has shared in the journey of so many excellent chefs who have passed through their kitchens. Tune in to hear how she grew up in kitchens herself, has spent decades supporting our mission and the importance of including the Mise en Place philosophy in every part of your life!
2023-07-2843 minStick A Fork In ItCooking Up Compassion at Epic Chef ft. Marty BlitzThe legendary Mise en Place has been a leader in innovative dining for over 30 years in Tampa Bay. Meet the restaurant's Executive Chef, Marty Blitz, the creative driving force behind that reputation alongside his business partner, Maryann Ferenc. With Chef Marty’s decades of culinary experience, he has mentored a multitude of celebrated culinary artists in addition to loyally lending his expertise to support hunger relief organizations like Feeding Tampa Bay. Epic Chef Showdown's coveted trophy for is named The Marty Blitz Award honoring his years of dedication to his craft and influence. Listen in to hear how his jo...
2023-07-1259 minStick A Fork In ItHurricane Preparedness (Revisited) ft. Jim CarpenterIn case you missed it last year, we're re-sharing the episode with FTB Director of Disaster Relief Jim Carpenter! Want to know what weather channels to watch when a storm is brewing? Want to know how you can restock your fridge after a long power outage? Tune in and listen to Weatherman Jim. Remember, Feeding Tampa Bay is here for you in blue skies, and gray.
Follow @FeedingTampaBay for updates about or disaster relief pantries this hurricane season, and stay safe, wherever you are.
2023-06-2827 minStick A Fork In ItPrepared for Any Storm ft. Robin Safley of Feeding FloridaHurricane season is fast approaching here in Florida, and disaster relief is an important part of the food banking world. On today's episode we welcome back Robin Safley, Executive Director of Feeding Florida, to explain how food bank networks became a crucial part of the first responder teams in the U.S. But hurricanes aren't the only disasters we face every year -- check back in for our next few episodes to learn how our sister food banks in other parts of the nation help people survive through floods, fires, and more. Together, we can weather anything.
...
2023-06-1446 minStick A Fork In ItRecovering with Dignity ft. Joel SittlohWhen addiction takes over the steering wheel of your life, you're bound to crash and hurt the people around you. On today's episode, our friend Joel Sittloh shares how he is recovering from decades of drug and alcohol abuse, finding refuge and recovery in community support and service to others who are struggling. As Joel says, he lives his recovery out loud to help those who are who are suffering on the inside. Tune in to meet this incredible human being, and hear the message he has for people who have been in his position, and the people who...
2023-05-3156 minStick A Fork In ItFrom Homelessness to Transforming Lives ft. Yvette CarterThe people who dedicate their lives to helping others possess a strength that can be difficult to imagine. And few people embody that strength more than Yvette Carter, director of the pantry at Open Arms Ministry in Clearwater, FL. Having survived domestic abuse, homelessness, prison, and cancer, Yvette provides hope and support to her community every single day in the forms of food and honest listening. Tune in to hear about her turbulent journey through life, and how her mission of bringing people peace and comfort keeps her alive.
Learn more about Feeding Tampa Bay and how...
2023-05-171h 00Stick A Fork In ItFeeding Passion in the Community ft. Chef Ferrell AlvarezFew people understand the power of food better than professional chefs. That's part of the reason Chef Ferrell Alvarez, who partly owns some of the most celebrated eateries in Tampa, has directly supported the mission of Feeding Tampa Bay for years. This year he's lending his expertise to our annual Fork Fight gala event, coordinating top culinary artists from around Tampa Bay to create multi-course meals for our 500 guests. Tune in to learn about Chef Ferrell's journey from "young punk" to winner of a Michelin Bib Gourmand Award!
Tampa Bay there are still a few tickets available!
2023-05-0756 minStick A Fork In ItSpeak your Truth ft. Natasha Pierre, Mental Health Advocate & CoachMany of us don't actually know how to check in on our own mental health. Many more don't realize how much of an effect mental health has on every part of our lives. We're fortunate to have experts like Natasha Pierre to coach us through the confusion and struggle of understanding our minds — what they need, how to care for them, and the fact that we're rarely alone in these difficulties. Tune in to learn how a talented girl from the Virgin Islands was shaped by huge successes and unimaginable losses, to become an advocate for every human being wh...
2023-05-031h 41Stick A Fork In ItHealing Through Helping ft. Mike & Kathy FoosheeIt takes an incredible emotional strength (and sometimes an incredible partnership) to turn personal tragedy into hope for others -- but that is exactly what Mike & Kathy Fooshee have been doing for years. After meeting online over 20 years ago, their blended family has weathered unbelievable challenges, and made a mission of sharing their story with others to spare them from suffering through the same experiences. They do all of this with a hug and a smile for everyone they meet, and we're so grateful that they spend two days every week volunteering with us at Trinity Cafe.
...
2023-04-191h 20Stick A Fork In ItGrowing the Community Garden ft. Chris KenrickFor nearly 30 years Sweetwater Organic Community Farm has educated Tampa residents about easy farming techniques, by inviting them to plant and harvest crops alongside their neighbors. Everyone from kindergarteners to senior citizens are welcome to come and learn how to care for plants and animals from the community that has kept the farm thriving all this time. On today's episode we talk with Chris Kenrick, the farm's Director, and learn why it's so important that more people become farmers, even if that just means growing a few plants in their own backyards. Knowing where your food comes from, and...
2023-04-051h 00
Stick A Fork In ItThe Unexpected Can Change Everything ft. David BrownWhat happens when a father of 7 breaks his back on the job, and is unable to continue working, while the cost of rent and groceries rises all over the country? He leans on the support of community, family, and maybe even a furry new friend who can pull him out of the depths of despair. Meet David Brown, one of the brave, big-hearted guests who has visited the partner pantries of Feeding Tampa Bay. On today's episode he shares the story of how he unexpectedly found himself out of work, the journey that put him on through places he...
2023-03-2249 minStick A Fork In ItBuilding the Food Bank of the Future with Todd WicknerHow do you plan for the most ambitious social project ever undertaken in Tampa Bay? With the help of experienced, dedicated people like Todd Wickner, who's managed successful restaurants and arenas across the United States. As a member of the Board of Directors of Feeding Tampa Bay, Todd has helped guide us through all of our trials, successes, and growth over the past 10 years, and he joins us on the show today to talk about the most exciting step forward that we're currently taking -- the construction of a brand new headquarters off of Causeway Boulevard.
Tune...
2023-03-081h 10Stick A Fork In ItThe Senior Struggle - Food InsecurityAs a widow and mother, Barb is back to work at 71 and still struggling to make ends meet. She has been a lifetime caregiver and loyal volunteer, making asking for help extremely difficult and emotional. In a time where choices were being made between transportation, food and medicine, having food available was an unexpected relief.
To learn more visit FeedingTampaBay.org or to find a food bank near you, feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank
2023-02-211h 00Stick A Fork In ItFixing Fake News with Michael Paluska & Reed Moeller of ABC Action NewsWith so many sources of news available on TV and online, it's difficult to know what to trust. We invite the Emmy-award-winning duo Michael Paluska and Reed Moeller from ABC Action News to pull back the curtain a bit on journalism, and share with you what it's like to brainstorm, write, and record the stories that inform you about your world. Tune in to learn about twin-tuition, the art of videography, and why it's important to invite your wife to dinner with Harrison Ford.
You can also see Michael and Reed's story about the heroes fighting child...
2023-02-0849 minStick A Fork In ItLearning to Lead from the Front, with Tampa Mayor Jane CastorWe're fortunate to have had the support of Tampa's Mayor, Jane Castor, through thick and thin in recent years. She stood by us during the pandemic, providing Feeding Tampa Bay the attention and resources we needed to ensure nobody went hungry while businesses were closing. And now she's helping guide us through the process of expanding our capability, as we begin construction on a new facility offering more programs and more food out the door. Tune in to hear about her journey from athlete to police officer and finally to mayor of an entire city. And learn how the...
2023-01-2550 minStick A Fork In ItProving Hunger-Free is Possible with Katie Fitzgerald, President of Feeding AmericaThere was so much more to discuss with our recent guest, Katie Fitzgerald, that we just had to have her back on the show. Last time we talked about the ways that food banks are evolving to address root causes of hunger -- but on today's episode we discuss how that evolution is made possible, and how it's already making regions around Feeding America food banks truly hunger-free. To learn what it really means to be hunger-free, check out another recent episode where our Chief Programs Officer, Matt Spence, breaks it down in simple terms!
You can...
2023-01-1129 minStick A Fork In ItLifting Up Young Learners with Addison Davis, Superintendent of Hillsborough County Public SchoolsAfter spending years teaching students directly, Addison Davis finds himself in charge of all the school's in one of the nation's largest counties. How does someone in that position ensure that children are getting what they need to be well-adjusted, successful adults? By working tirelessly to get teachers and parents what they need, and remembering that every child has a story. Tune in to learn how Addison has pushed to improve schools in Hillsborough county in recent years, and what he hopes we can come together to accomplish for the future caretakers of our society.
Follow @FeedingTampaBay...
2023-01-0453 minStick A Fork In ItCereal for Summer with Scott Nevitt and Katie Fenech of General MillsGeneral Mills is the company that produces many of your most favorite, most iconic cereals -- but they're also responsible for TONS of other beloved breakfast, lunch, and dinner foods that you can find in any grocery store. On today's episode we're grateful to have Scott Nevitt (Sr. Customer Mgr.) and Katie Fenech (Brand Experience Asst. Mgr.) join us to marvel at the lifelong impact foods like breakfast cereal have on each and every one of us. This year alone General Mills helped us collect over 2 MILLION meals worth of food during our annual Cereal for Summer campaign. Tune...
2021-07-2151 min