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Milwaukee, WI (July 16, 2009)—IAMAW Lodge 66 is operating as a food pantry to support employees from the Patrick Cudahy plant who are temporarily out of work due to the 3-day fire that took place earlier this month. This special circumstance pantry was set up so that workers can get immediate assistance. It also helps them stay in touch with their union for updates on their return to work as there has been some difficulty reaching displaced employees due to outdated contact information. All union workers in need are encouraged to report to their union and to use the food pantry as needed.

The food pantry was organized by UFCW Local 1473 with support from additional local organizations including Voces de la Frontera. John Eiden, President of UFCW Local 1473 said, “I would like to start by thanking Hunger Task Force, the Milwaukee County Labor Council, and Voces de la Frontera. I appreciate the outpouring of support from the community and encourage our members to take advantage of this help.”

Hunger Task Force is supplying free food and contributed a refrigerator and freezer for storage, the Milwaukee County Labor Council is organizing volunteers to staff the site, and the United Way of Greater Milwaukee is donating computers and an IT specialist to help visitors sign up for FoodShare assistance. “United Way is proud to collaborate with organizations like Hunger Task Force and the Milwaukee County Labor Council to help those who need it during times of crisis. Corporate partners, like Patrick Cudahy, and their employees give generously year after year to help others. It’s because of them that we are able to help our community get through times like these,” said Sue Dragisic, United Way of Greater Milwaukee president.

The IAMAW Lodge 66 has donated use of their building to host the food pantry. Doug Curler from Lodge 66 said they are more than happy to share their space, adding “We all need to
help each other in trying times. This is what we do.” The building is located at 2611 W. Oklahoma with pantry operating hours on Thursdays, 2–4 p.m. and Fridays, 9–11 a.m. Cudahy workers can access the pantry at these times by showing their plant ID or their union card. The pantry will remain open until employees are called to return to work.