Layoffs force local workers to seek food relief

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2008/04/01/ddn040108foodweb.html


By Margo Rutledge Kissell

Staff Writer

Tuesday, April 01, 2008

Layoffs caused by the Detroit-based American Axle & Manufacturing work stoppage is causing local workers and their families to seek emergency food relief in record numbers, local labor and United Way officials said Tuesday, April 1.

They held a news conference at the AFL-CIO Food Pantry in the basement of the United Way building, 184 Salem Ave., to announce additional help while the strike continues.

Labor officials estimated the work stoppage has caused the layoffs of more than 3,300 employees who work locally at the Moraine General Motors Corp. truck plant, Johnson Controls in West Carrollton, Plastech Industries and DMAX Ltd. on Dryden Road.

More than 900 individuals have accessed the pantry already this year, about three times as many as this time a year ago, officials said.

About 350 people came in two days last week, causing the Labor Food Pantry to run out of food Thursday. A partial food order was received Friday and a full order came Tuesday from its food provider, the Foodbank.

The United Way of the Greater Dayton Area plans to use a grant of up to $50,000 from its Dislocated Workers Fund to purchase additional food for the pantry.

FULL story at link.