In celebration of Good Friday, UNITE HERE Local 11, in collaboration with the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, the Forum, the City of Inglewood, Labor Community Services, the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, and other organizations hosted a food distribution for more than 7,000 families impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. UNITE HERE Local 11 members from LAX Airport, teachers, and other community members were served.
Food recipients went home with a 36-pound box of perishable food items as well as chicken and oranges.
“I have been laid off from HMS Host at LAX because of the coronavirus. I came to get food assistance and volunteer because we are fighting together for our families, and I know, with the union by my side, we will get through this together.” Marlene Mendoza who is a server at LAX for the last 32 years.
“Thousands of our members have seen their hours cut or have been laid off because of COVID-19,” said Susan Minato, Co-President of UNITE HERE Local 11. “Providing our members with the food assistance they need during this time is one of the many things our union is doing to support them and their families during this crisis.”
With lines wrapped around the Forum in Inglewood, the expertly-run operation was fueled by volunteers from dozens of unions like UNITE HERE Local 11, Teamsters Local 2010, among others from the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor.
“Today’s event exemplifies the values of the labor movement and the people of Los Angeles. As LAX workers experience unprecedented layoffs, it’s labor, and our brave union members, who came together to lift up our communities. No matter the catastrophe, no matter the crisis, labor will always answer the call.” Ron Herrera President of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO.
“I am thankful that my union, UNITE HERE Local 11, is supporting us during this time,” said Maura Rivas who has worked at Hudson at LAX for the last 16 years. “Many of my coworkers have been laid off and these food efforts will help a lot.”
“We are grateful to our volunteers, donors, and partners like the LA County Federation of Labor, Unite Here Local 11, the City of Inglewood and The Forum,” said President and CEO of the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, Michael flood. “It is critical that we all come together in this time of need. If you live in LA County and you need help – or if you can provide help – visit LAFoodBank.org.”
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