Q&A | Cameron Macleish from 360 Eats

360 Eats is a mobile non-profit that focuses on food rescue, a gourmet soup kitchen, and composting to help fight food waste, food insecurity, and promote sustainability in the Tampa Bay area. Cameron Macleish, the founder, shares what motivates the organization, discusses their most successful project, and explains how it all got started during his travels in Australia!

1. Can you tell us about your role at 360 Eats?

I’m the co-founder and executive director of 360 Eats, a nonprofit focused on reducing food waste, fighting food insecurity, and providing culinary job training for young adults facing employment barriers. My role involves overseeing daily operations, building community partnerships, and driving the development of programs that align with our mission. This includes managing our food rescue and meal programs as well as our Culinary Cultivator internship, which equips trainees with hands-on experience and the skills needed to pursue careers in the culinary industry. I also focus on fundraising, growing our team, and ensuring that we operate sustainably while making a meaningful impact in the community. My work allows me to help bridge the gaps between food waste, hunger, and opportunity every day.

2. What programs or initiatives does 360 Eats offer to encourage local businesses and residents to adopt more sustainable practices?

Our Food Rescue program partners with local food distributors, grocery stores, farms, and restaurants to save surplus food from going to waste. This rescued food is turned into free, chef-prepared meals for those facing food insecurity, helping businesses reduce waste while giving back to the community.

We also run a composting program, turning food scraps into nutrient-rich compost for community gardens, closing the loop on waste. Through facility tours, workshops, and volunteer opportunities, we inspire businesses and residents to adopt sustainable practices while addressing hunger and reducing environmental impact.

3. How do you personally encourage your friends and family to adopt eco-friendly habits and go green?

By sharing simple, practical changes they can make in their daily lives. For example, I suggest reducing food waste by planning meals, composting scraps, and freezing leftovers. I also advocate for using reusable bags, bottles, and containers to cut down on single-use plastics.

To inspire them further, I share the impact of 360 Eats' work, such as how small actions like rescuing food can help both the environment and our community. Leading by example—whether it's composting, carpooling, or supporting local farmers—helps demonstrate that living sustainably is doable and rewarding.

4. Is there a particular environmental documentary or book that has deeply inspired you? What key takeaway did you gain from it?

Honestly, BBC documentaries have been a major source of inspiration for me. They beautifully showcase the incredible diversity and beauty of our planet and seeing that contrasted with the impact of our destructive habits is eye-opening. It’s a powerful reminder of what’s at stake and motivates me to commit to a more sustainable lifestyle to help preserve that beauty for future generations.

5. What would you consider one of the most successful projects or achievements by 360 Eats?

One of 360 Eats’ greatest achievements is the success of its CommUnity Kitchen and Food Rescue programs. The Food Rescue program diverts thousands of pounds of surplus food from landfills annually, reducing waste and supplying fresh ingredients to support hunger relief. This rescued food powers the CommUnity Kitchen, which transforms it into over 150 nutritious, chef-prepared meals each week for food-insecure children, families, and seniors in underserved areas. Together, these programs have prevented over 250,000 pounds of food waste while serving tens of thousands of free meals, demonstrating 360 Eats’ commitment to ending hunger and fostering sustainability in Pinellas County.

6. What motivated you to start 360 Eats, and why do you believe it’s important to practice sustainability on a personal level?

The inspiration to start 360 Eats came from two pivotal experiences. During my travels in Australia, I was introduced to dumpster diving, which opened my eyes to the staggering amount of fresh, edible food being wasted. Later, while working at a local food pantry in Tampa Bay, I witnessed the growing need for food assistance in my own community. These experiences drove me to create a solution that would address both food waste and hunger. I wanted to find a way to rescue fresh food before it entered the waste stream and instead channel it into meals for those who needed it most. Practicing sustainability on a personal level is vital because it allows us to make a tangible difference in combating waste and supporting those facing food insecurity. It’s about creating a system where everyone benefits—from the environment to the people in our community.

7. What is one green change you’d love to see in your community in the near future?

One green change I’d love to see in our community is a significant reduction in food waste, which the Pinellas County Solid Waste Department reports as the second-largest category of waste in the county. Addressing this issue would not only lessen the burden on landfills but also provide opportunities to redirect surplus food to those in need. I’d also like to see more policies implemented to prevent food waste across all areas of the food system—from grocery stores and restaurants to households and farms. These changes would create a more sustainable and equitable food system, benefiting both our community and the environment.

8. If you had to pick an animal as the mascot for 360 Eats sustainability efforts, which animal would you choose and why?

I would choose a honeybee. Honeybees are essential to the ecosystem, playing a vital role in pollination and ensuring the health of plants and food crops. They embody efficiency, resourcefulness, and community—values that align perfectly with our mission to reduce food waste and fight hunger. Just as honeybees make the most of their resources to support the hive, 360 Eats works to rescue surplus food and transform it into nutritious meals, creating a sustainable impact for our community.

9. In one word, how would you describe your vision for a greener, more sustainable world?

Balance.

10. Do you have any final thoughts or insights about your work with 360 Eats that you’d like to share?

I’m incredibly proud of the work we’re doing at 360 Eats to reduce food waste and combat food insecurity in Pinellas County. If you're interested in learning more about our efforts, I encourage you to visit our website and follow us on social media for updates on how we’re making a difference. If you're local, please consider donating to support our mission or volunteering your time to help us expand our impact. Together, we can make a real difference in the fight against hunger and food waste.

To learn more about 360 Eats, visit their website at 360eats.org, or connect with them on Facebook (facebook.com/360eats) and Instagram (@go360eats).