CRUEL WORLD – How can shopping continue to be a pleasure at Publix after the supermarket's latest crackdown?

According to the Tampa Bay Times, the Florida-based grocery chain is no longer offering free slices of meat at its deli counters in some locations.

Let that one sink in for a moment.

No more will the deli counter server toss you a free slice of turkey, salami, etc. to get your thumbs up when asking for a thin cut of meat.

That back-and-forth between customer and deli counter person is an age-old tradition that will no longer live on at the grocery which has satisfied our food shopping needs since 1930.

Right now, the no-meat policy is only being instituted in the Tampa-area, where Publix is rolling out a cheese of the week program in the pilot area.

However, Publix promises there is a loophole that can make everyone happy.

"The free slice is no longer offered," Publix media relation manager Brian West told the newspaper. "But if the customer would like the free sample, they just need to ask the associate. In fact, customers can always ask for a sample of any item we have. That's one of the best ways to introduce our customers to new things, and it's a big part of the shopping experience at Publix."

Now, if they take away the free cookies at the bakery, there's really going to be a problem!