Stick a Fork in It
The official podcast of Feeding Tampa Bay. We talk food and philanthropy with some of the biggest names in Central Florida, and provide a firsthand look at the process of making sure our neighbors are fed, happy and healthy.
Contact us directly
Have a question or want to leave us a thought? Send us a message on social or send us an email, attn: Shannon, and we'll address it on our next episode!
Organic Farming Leads to Changing a Community with Jenise Carr
If 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 […]
Catching Up on Advocacy with Lorena Hardwick
Awareness 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 […]
Women's History with Former Senator Janet Cruz
Former 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 […]
Girl Power: Empowering Today's Young Women with Natasha Pierre
Joining 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 […]
Shielding Veterans from Suicide with Dr. Damon Friedman
Twenty years cycling between home-life struggles and military combat zones has taught Dr. Damon Friedman everything he needs to know about the importance of personal and interpersonal healing. After battling […]
Leading from Lived Experience with Kareem Spratling
There 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 […]
Learning about The Benefits of Integrative Medicine ft. Dr. Tanuja Sharma
Dr. Sharma of Tampa General Hospital joins the show again (previous episode here) to help us understand how integrative medicine expands health possibilities without requiring a lot of pharmaceuticals or […]
Student Ambassadors Stepping Up for Feeding Tampa Bay
Did 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 […]
Humans of the Food Bank 2023 - Part 2
Your 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 […]
Humans of the Food Bank 2023 - Part 1
Your 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 […]
Big Things Are Coming ft. Matt Boswell of ChappellRoberts
The ChappellRoberts marketing agency is the creative force behind many of Feeding Tampa Bay’s bright, inspiring campaigns each year. And on today’s episode, we’d like to introduce you to their […]
Helping Tackle Hunger ft. Markees Watts of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 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 […]
How the V.A. Helps Veterans ft. Dr. Chad Radwan & David Caras
We’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 […]
More Than A Meal ft. Matt Spence & Kaity Chewning
One 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 […]
Run, Thomas, Run! ft. Jessica Spitsen
Our 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 […]
Healthcare Ending Hunger ft. Lisa Bell of BayCare Health System
Access 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 […]
Getting A Nutritional Education ft. Kelley Brickfield & Samantha Wholley of The FTB Nutrition Education Team
Growing 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, […]
Families Helping Families ft. The Coles of Corbett Elementary
At 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 […]
Cooking Up Compassion at Epic Chef Pt. II ft. Mise en Place Co-founder Maryann Ferenc
Last 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 […]
Cooking Up Compassion at Epic Chef ft. Marty Blitz
The 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 […]
Hurricane Preparedness (Revisited) ft. Jim Carpenter
In 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 […]
Prepared for Any Storm ft. Robin Safley of Feeding Florida
Hurricane 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 […]
Recovering with Dignity ft. Joel Sittloh
When 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 […]
From Homelessness to Transforming Lives ft. Yvette Carter
The 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 […]
Feeding Passion in the Community ft. Chef Ferrell Alvarez
Few 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, […]
Speak your Truth ft. Natasha Pierre, Mental Health Advocate & Coach
Many 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 […]
Healing Through Helping ft. Mike & Kathy Fooshee
It 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 […]
Growing the Community Garden ft. Chris Kenrick
For 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 […]
The Unexpected Can Change Everything ft. David Brown
What 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 […]
Building the Food Bank of the Future with Todd Wickner
How 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 […]
The Senior Struggle - Food Insecurity
As 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 […]
Fixing Fake News with Michael Paluska & Reed Moeller of ABC Action News
With 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 […]
Learning to Lead from the Front, with Tampa Mayor Jane Castor
We’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 […]
Proving Hunger-Free is Possible with Katie Fitzgerald, President of Feeding America
There 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 […]
Lifting Up Young Learners with Addison Davis, Superintendent of Hillsborough County Public Schools
After 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 […]
Creating the Hunger-Free Strategy with Joanna Burleson of the Monitor Institute
Hunger-free means everybody who needs food knows where they can go to get some, as our Chief Programs Officer, Matt Spence, recently explained on our show. And on today’s episode […]
Humans of the Food Bank 2022 - Part 2
Continuing from yesterday’s episode of this year’s Humans of the Food Bank, we bring you 5 more of our incredible colleagues sharing their personal journeys! Tune in to meet the […]
Humans of the Food Bank 2022 - Part 1
Everyone’s favorite annual episode is here! We love to wrap up each year with an episode that helps you get to know our staff, who they are, what they do, […]
How Will Feeding Tampa Bay End Hunger? Our Chief Programs Officer Matt Spence Explains The Strategic Plan
Our beloved show host, Matt Spence, returns to share what he’s been up to for the past few months — which entails everything from Ninja Warrior training to mapping out […]
Katie Fitzgerald, President of Feeding America, Explains the Future of Food Banking
Katie Fitzgerald never intended to work in food banking, but along the storied path to her current position, she learned just how many doorways access to food can open for […]
Rescuing Food from Waste with Cammie Chatterton, CEO of Bay Food Brokerage
Billions of pounds of perfectly edible food goes to waste every year in the United States alone. As one of the largest food recyclers in the country, Feeding Tampa Bay […]
Learning about the Humane Society of Tampa Bay’s Free Shot Clinic from their CEO Sherry Silk
We know that our pets are family, and their health and happiness is as important to us as our own. That’s why we partner up every year with the Humane […]
Helping through Hurricane Ian with Jim Carpenter of Feeding Tampa Bay
How do we bring stability to our community and even our Florida neighbors? Our Director of Facilities and Disaster Response, Jim Carpenter, joins us at the table once again to […]
Studying Humans and Hunger with Dr. Himmelgreen of the University of South Florida
What does the study of Anthropology have to do with fighting hunger? Well, more than you’d think! Not only does studying human nature tell us tons about how people cope […]
Learn how you can take action with full-time volunteer Don Germaise
As a former reporter with ABC Action News, Don Germaise made the decision not to really retire but instead to “hunker down” into a life dedicated to community service. In […]
Making TampaWell with Dr. Tanuja Sharma & Kim Christine of Tampa General Hospital
Tampa General Hospital believes, like we do, that food is medicine. But they also know that exercise and education are medicine, too, and they’re committed to helping our neighbors access […]
Packing the Pantries with Nino DeLucia of Vigo & Alessi
No doubt you probably have some Vigo & Alessi food products in your own pantry right now. Well they’re celebrating 75 years of being based in Tampa by teaming up […]
Crowning Epic Chefs with Shawn Routten of the Epicurean Hotel
2022 marks the SEVENTH year of our much-loved Epic Chef competition, where the top chefs in Tampa Bay face off in a contest of culinary creativity. Guests watch in person […]
Giving Through Gourmet with Chef Daniel Graves of Trinity Cafe
Trinity Cafe promises to feed all who need food, rain or shine, pandemic or peace, 365 days a year. And the meals are so much more than just basic sustenance. […]
Preparing for the New Daddy Experience with Jake Edling
Becoming a parent for the first time is scary, and can be overwhelming. That’s why Jake Edling, father of seven and acclaimed dad-expert, wrote “The New Daddy Experience” — a […]
The Father's of Feeding Tampa Bay
On this special Father’s Day edition of Stick a Fork in It, we welcome a few of the food bank’s new and long-time fathers to share stories of the work, […]
Feeding Hungry Pets with Melissa Pratt of PetSmart Charities
We all love our furry friends, and the last thing we want is to see them going hungry when we fall on hard times. That’s why PetSmart Charities decided to […]
The Well Builds Bikes That Move People Forward ft Jon Dengler of WellBuilt Bikes
Recorded on location at the WellBuilt Bikes shop in the University Mall, we talk philanthropy and philosophy with grassroots community organizer, Jon Dengler. He shares how a single conversation with […]
Creating a Hub for Humanity with Mary Brown of Gulfside Elementary
What if your child could get a dental check-up without having to leave school? And if your elderly neighbor could get food for free when their money is tight? And […]
Cereal for Summer Kicks Off with Kathryn Bursch from 10 Tampa Bay
It’s become a tradition over the past 7 years for us to collect thousands of cereal boxes during the summer, to help feed children who normally depend on their schools […]
From Ukraine to You: Finding Peace Amidst Crisis (featuring Ian Adair) - Part 2
We return to our two-part episode featuring our friend Ian Adair from the Gracepoint Foundation, and our conversation about mental health in times of crisis. In part one we focused […]
From Ukraine to You: Finding Peace Amidst Crisis (featuring Ian Adair) - Part 1
What can you do when there seems to be crisis all around you? Mental health guru Ian Adair joins us once again for a conversation about coping in healthy ways […]
Celebrating National Women's Month with Contemporary Fiction Author Lisa Unger
Lisa Unger has had a passion for writing stories since she was a girl, and for the past 20 years has put out one new novel each year. She joins […]
Learning How to Decriminalize Poverty with Sarah Couture of the Fines & Fees Justice Center
Sometimes all it takes to start the spiral into inescapable poverty is a few unpaid parking tickets. When someone is already struggling with money, small legal fines can result in […]
Taste Testing Our New "Hops for Hunger" Beer at Big Storm Brewing Company
After a year of perfecting the recipe, we finally get to sit with LJ Govoni and Shannon Brooks to taste their delightful creation, “Hops for Hunger” — a collaborative project […]
World Series Philanthropy with Howard Grosswirth of the New York Yankees
George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida is like a second home to New York’s own Yankees. Over the course of their 27 seasons here, some of the biggest names […]
Humans of the Food Bank 2021 - Board
Behind all of the phenomenal work done every day by our food bank staff and volunteers are the members of the Feeding Tampa Bay board of directors, who guide and […]
Humans of the Food Bank 2021 - Volunteers
Tens of thousands of volunteers grace our programs with their presence every single year, and make our mission of ending hunger in our community possible. On today’s episode, meet 6 […]
Humans of the Food Bank 2021 - Team
It’s becoming a tradition to spend our last few episodes of the year getting to know the huge-hearted people who carry our mission on their backs. Our food bank is […]
Meditating on Mental Health with Ian Adair of the Gracepoint Foundation
Author, comedian, and Executive Director of the Gracepoint Foundation, Ian Adair has spent 25 years managing communications in the non-profit world. He uses humor and human connection to introduce people […]
Helping Tampa Bay the United Way with Kari Goetz
Accessible housing, tax assistance, early childhood education — United Way guides people through some of the most difficult trials that life serves up, and many of us have no idea […]
Making Life Suite with MaryAnn Renfrow
Raising a family and growing a business on a resort overlooking the sandy shores of St. Pete Beach, MaryAnn Renfrow understands the importance of preserving the nature that guests and […]
Need in the News with Gayle Guyardo of Bloom TV
One of our main goals here at Feeding Tampa Bay is to tell the stories of the people we serve each day, and we couldn’t make that happen without the […]
Rays Up the Community with Brian Auld of the Tampa Bay Rays
For the past 7 years Brian Auld has been president of the Tampa Bay Rays, and during that time he has helped foster a culture of community involvement that sports […]
Preparing a Positive Difference with Buck Johnson of Berkeley Prep
Math and science aren’t the only things kids should be learning in school, as today’s guest on the show will tell you. A food pantry orchestrated by neighborhood schools is […]
Epic Chef Master's Edition LIVE
In a year full of change-ups we’ve altered the formula of our annual Epic Chef event to be a pack even more excitement into a shorter run of shows. If […]
Contributing to the Community with Chrissy Lewis and Kathy Castor
On a special edition of Stick a Fork in It, Congresswoman Kathy Castor is interviewed by her daughter Chrissy Lewis, who just completed a multi-department internship with our organization learning […]
Farm in a Box with Shannon and Maddy of Brick Street Farms
What if you could grow 3 whole acres of food in a box in your back yard? Well, Brick Street Farms has developed a way to do just that, using […]
Cereal for Summer with Scott Nevitt and Katie Fenech of General Mills
General 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 […]
USF - Dr. Eric Eisenberg, Dean of USF College of Arts & Sciences
The University of South Florida stands with Feeding Tampa Bay not only to feed struggling youth in our community, but to understand why they’re struggling, and how best to help […]
Building Better with Rob Rozmeski
It may take a village to raise a barn, but Rob Rozmeski, founder of construction contracting outfit the Zackary Group, did much more than that with far fewer people. Rob […]
Making Ends Meat with Kevin Ordway
You may know Tyson as “the chicken company” but they provide much more than just delicious wings and nuggets to your local grocery store — they also provide thousands of […]
Language of Love with Jaclyn Boland
The people we serve come from all walks of life, and an array of cultures. We respect how important it is to meet them in their world — providing foods […]
Breakfast and Broadcasting with Miguel Fuller from Hot 101.5
Fans of the Tampa radio station Hot 101.5 have probably listened to the Miguel and Holly Show on their way to work. But for those who are out of range, […]
Making Big Changes with Big E
Tampa Bay experienced another first this year with Wrestlemania37! WWE Superstar Big E made an impressive, surprise entrance rocking our brand from head to toe! On this episode we find […]
The Ultimate Volunteer with Peter Masone
Few people understand the importance of showing up as well as players on a sports team. And Peter Masone, General Manager of the Tampa Bay Cannons, has been showing up […]
Centuries of Service with Matt Mitchell of the YMCA
YMCA’s across the nation serve as community hubs where members can exercise, learn new skills, gather with fellow members of their faith, swim, dance, and more. And as CEO of […]
Speaking the Language with Monica Wilson
It may come as a surprise to many that food banks exist in some of the more affluent areas around Tampa, let alone that residents actually visit it. But the […]
Spirits and Sanitizer at the St. Pete Distillery
The Covid pandemic has created lots of unlikely allies, like a food bank and an alcohol distillery, for example. When the city’s hand-sanitizer supply dried up, the savvy engineers at […]
Making Men of Vision with Ross Anderson
For the past 16 years Ross Anderson has been raising the young men of Tampa Bay out of difficult circumstances and into leaders, thinkers, and achievers. His Men of Vision […]
For the Love of Tampa Bay with Thaddeus Bullard (AKA Titus O'Neil)
A truly great man in both character and physical stature, local wrestling celebrity Thaddeus Bullard joins us on the show to talk hometown philanthropy. Not only has he established a […]
The Superbowl Special with Ashley Ehrman Wickham
We did it, Tampa! The Bucs are going to the Superbowl, and we’re taking the opportunity to share some behind-the-scenes info about all of the phenomenal work the NFL is […]
Homes and Hope with Mike Sutton
Through a new partnership with our local Habitat for Humanity affiliate, we’re helping to give our neighbors two of the most basic needs on Earth – food and shelter. Our […]
Humans of the Food Bank Part 3
On this final (for now) episode of “Humans of the Food Bank” we learn all about our annual tradition of naming one employee as Food Banker of the Year. We […]
Humans of Feeding Tampa Bay Part 2
The crew returns to share the stories of more of our incredible fellow food bankers — from frontline warriors to behind the scenes miracle makers, the humans of FTB are […]
Humans of Feeding Tampa Bay
A food banker can look like anyone, come from anywhere. But no matter the difference in our age, nationality, or job status, we are all connected by our intense drive […]
Substantial Storytelling with Colleen Chappell
Fighting through poverty, cancer, and the loss of a dear friend, Colleen Chappell (co-founder of the ChappellRoberts Branding & Advertising Agency) has maintained her fiery spirit, and worked her way […]
Feeding Florida with Robin Safley
Feeding Tampa Bay is just one small part of a vast network of food banks feeding struggling American families. And we couldn’t do it without the help of people like […]
Food Pharmacies with Darcy Klempner
Imagine if instead of shaming you for your diet, your doctor sent you home with bags of delicious, healthy food. Well that’s the reality at Tampa Family Health Centers, where […]
Happiness for Humans with Keri Higgins Bigelow
Keri is an entrepreneur with a heart of gold, who for the past 11 years has been helping companies around Tampa Bay create an environment that their employees can feel […]
Faith & Feeding with Jeff Darrey
Some people find a mission in life, and rather than waiting until everything falls into place, they start placing everything that’s needed on their own. For years our guest and […]
Season 2 Promo
As Summer becomes Fall, we’re also moving into a new season on Stick A Fork In It! We’re thrilled with the repertoire of exciting guests we’ve had on the show […]
Healthy Helpings with Rick Bennett
We’re so lucky to have amazing partners like Florida Blue, with wonderful folks like Rick Bennett who sit on our board. Rick joins us on this episode to discuss the […]
Park, Walk and Talk with Chief Dan Slaughter
On this week’s episode we welcome Chief Dan Slaughter of the Clearwater Police Department to the warehouse. We talk about all the ways that law enforcement helps us run our […]
Power Couple 101 with Marie & Tim Everitt
What is a power couple? One that changes the lives of millions of people side by side with Feeding Tampa Bay. On today’s episode we introduce you to board member […]
On the Front Lines with Keri Eisenbeis
The unsung heroes amidst the pandemic are our healthcare workers, many behind the scenes. Joining us is VP of Government and Community Relations for BayCare, Keri Eisenbeis, discussing Covid from […]
Weather-Geeking with Denis Phillips
Let’s start with Rule #7 because it’s that time of year and EVERYbody’s favorite meteorologist, Denis Phillips is here to talk hurricane season. With the country still struggling under the […]
Pandemics and Protests with J.J. Burton
One of our local faves and we know yours too, JJ Burton of ABC Action News joins us safely via Zoom to discuss reporting in a time of pandemic and […]
Helping hARTs with Senator Jeff Brandes
With Florida Senator Jeff Brandes philanthropy is a family affair. Not only has he brought his kids to volunteer at our Pinellas mega pantry over the few past months but […]
Publix - Brian West
Can somebody explain where all the TP went? We have the guy. Brian West and Publix has been an avid supporter of Feeding Tampa Bay and the food banks in […]
Matt & Shannon - End of May Check-In
After a short break we are back with our hosts Matt Spence and Shannon Hannon-Oliviero, filling you in on the exciting news and updates coming out of Feeding Tampa Bay. […]
ABC Action News - Sean Daly
If you don’t know Sean Daly, where have you been? Listen in and enjoy the lovefest because we’re not sure who appreciates who more. You’ll shed a tear or two, […]
Team Rubicon - Chris Brewer
Founded by military veterans, Team Rubicon began working in disaster relief in 2010, and has been growing as an elite response team ever since. In the wake of the Covid-19 […]
Hillsborough County School Board - Cindy Stuart
Cindy Stuart, the HCSB Member for District 3, fills us in on how students and families are handling the new virtual schooling program, and how schools are continuing to feed […]
Rays & Rowdies - Jenn Tran
In this time of crisis sports teams are on the bench but they are knocking it out of the park to help the community! We are thrilled to introduce you […]
Guest Check-In - Chef Rachel Bennett
Life has changed for all of us, especially those working in the hospitality industry. One hard working and innovative thought leader came to mind, our friend Chef Rachel Bennett of […]
Coronavirus PSA - Help During Hard Times (ft. Thomas Mantz)
Crisis has hit Tampa Bay, our country and world. On this special edition our President and CEO, Thomas Mantz, joins us to explain how we’re continuing to serve our community. […]
Time, Talent & Treasure with Roberto Torres
Watching someone succeed is inspiring and motivating for many, and Roberto Torres is the man to watch in Tampa Bay. An entrepreneur with a passion for giving his time, talent […]
In the Margins with Ernest Hooper
Ernest Hooper, formerly a reporter and columnist for the Tampa Bay Times for 27 years, now sits at the communications helm for the American Cancer Society. “Hoop” is a name […]
Food & Fitness with Chef Rachel Bennett)
At just 30 years old Chef Rachel Bennett has already held the position of Executive Chef at multiple high-end restaurants here in Tampa Bay, and received a coveted nomination for […]
Flavor & Philanthropy with Ian Beckles
The true “Flavor of Tampa Bay” radio host, deejay, social influencer, father of three and expert foodie, Ian Beckles began making our area his home by playing 7 seasons with […]
It Begins - Intro
Stick A Fork In It is a show about the incredible work being done in Tampa Bay and its surrounding counties to help residents who struggle with food and financial […]