WAYNE (WWJ) -Struggling UAW members have a food pantry available to help meet their needs as the strike continues.
Local 900 has been on strike since the first day. The food pantry has been serving strikers that are currently making $500 a week.
In an interview with WWJ’s Ryan Marshall, Ebony Kennedy, Community Service Chair, said they had been preparing the pantry in July and got more serious about it in August.
They have non-perishable food and everyday items like dog food, baby essentials and toiletries available for workers. Gift cards have also been a popular item at the pantry, Kennedy said.
Kennedy says she has also been cooking meals at the pantry, including pasta and stuffed apples. People have also been dropping off pizza and chicken directly to the striking workers.
There is an area prepared for moms who need to breastfeed or pump after discovering that they were using the restroom to do so.
The pantry hosted a Christmas in July event and collected for their annual Angels program which supplies presents for around 200 children in the community. Some of the toys have been set up at a table for children so parents can get necessities from the pantry.
“It makes a big difference to our strikers to know they are supported by the whole community,” Community Service Co-Chair and Executive Board member Stacy Tompkins said.
Those interested in donating can bring items to the UAW Local 900 building at 38200 Michigan Ave. in Wayne. People with questions can call or text 734-637-2486. There is also an Amazon list that people can be invited to join. Items bought from the list can be sent directly to the pantry.