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Feedmore WNY is setting up mobile food pantries to help families of striking UAW union members

Posted at 5:56 PM, Oct 03, 2019
and last updated 2019-10-03 17:56:40-04

LOCKPORT, N.Y. (WKBW) — Now on the 18th day of the General Motors strike, FeedMore WNY is setting up mobile food pantries to help families of striking union workers.

Gregg Maacks was hoping for a resolution to contract talks before having to go on strike.

"It's always good to have resources that you can fall back on in an emergency," he said.

Several people we spoke to said this is the first time they've needed food assistance and did not want to go on camera.

"I know myself I'm uncomfortable about doing it, sometimes you just have to swallow your pride and let people help you," said Maacks.

Maacks said many of his co-workers are single parents, and a food pantry like this would help them.

"You can always be one missing paycheck or one unexpected crisis away from needing food assistance," said Catherine Shick, Communications Director for FeedMore WNY. "And that is why FeedMore WNY exists, we want to make sure that no one has to go hungry for any time for any circumstance."

"When the kids have gone back to school, the worst thing that could happen is that there was a strike. So it is important for us to be able to walk along side them and help them in this time of need," said Major Jose Santiago with the Salvation Army of Lockport.

The food items available are produce, dairy, grains and protein.

Anyone in the community in need of food assistance is welcome at any food pantry distribution.