Publix would like to clarify, stores in South Florida will still offer a free slice of meat at the deli counter.
Publix spokesperson, Maria Brous, says about 200 stores in the Lakeland area are testing out a new concept.
"It's a fresh sliced cheese of the week program. It's hoping to engage our customers and have them try something that they may not have tried otherwise," said Brous.
Brous says it has nothing to do with cost saving, it's about engaging the customers in a new way. She also says it's too early to tell if the pilot program will make it's way to all Publix stores.