Florida’s Natural says its planned Milwaukee distribution will include more than 12,000 cartons for the public, cases for area businesses and multiple pallets for Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, according to the company’s announcement. CBS 58 reports that fans can collect juice and take photos with part of the shipment near the parade route.
Food insecurity in Milwaukee County
The planned food-bank donation comes amid rising local food insecurity. According to Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, Milwaukee County’s overall food-insecurity rate rose from 1-in-8 to 1-in-7.
Who is most affected, and how has demand changed?
The countywide figures do not provide neighborhood-by-neighborhood comparisons. According to Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin’s Map the Meal Gap estimates based on 2023 data, food insecurity in Milwaukee County affected 1-in-4 children, 1-in-3 Black persons, 1-in-4 Hispanic persons and 1-in-10 White persons. For broader regional context, USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin, in a report republished by Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, reported that the organization’s network-wide demand had risen around 30% since 2022.
A planned fan gathering is outside the Italian Community Center, whose address, 631 E. Chicago St., is listed by Urban Milwaukee. Florida’s Natural says representatives will also distribute cartons in the Historic Third Ward and send cases to local establishments for celebratory drinks.
The Brewers beat the Tampa Bay Rays 4-1 in Game 5 on Wednesday in St. Petersburg, securing the franchise’s first World Series title, according to CNN. The companies had announced their wager on October 23: Florida’s Natural promised enough juice for 200,000 mimosas if Milwaukee won, while Johnsonville said 413,554 bratwursts were on the line if Milwaukee came out on top. CNN reported the alternative payout as 400,000 bratwursts.
Within hours of the final out, Florida’s Natural had a semitruck carrying more than 20 pallets—roughly 200 kegs’ worth—headed to Wisconsin, CBS 58 reported. In the company announcement, Johnsonville marketing vice president Jamie Schmelzer said the juice would reach fans and that the payout would also support families through the donation. Florida’s Natural marketing director Kelly Wade described the plan as a way to add a Florida touch to the celebration.
