Service + Solidarity Spotlight: New Jersey State AFL-CIO: Operation Feed Atlantic City Continues to Give Back to Those in Need

Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

New Jersey State AFL-CIO President Charles Wowkanech reports that union solidarity brought sunshine and much-appreciated meal kits to laid-off workers in Atlantic City through Operation Feed Atlantic City on Feb. 25.

The food distribution, sponsored by the New Jersey State AFL-CIO and its affiliated unions, the New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Agency and the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, was one in the labor movement’s continuing series of support programs for the Shore community that has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. Volunteers from UNITE HERE, Operating Engineers (IUOE), Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), NYSNA Shore Nurses and other affiliates dedicated their day to smoothly checking in the 2,000-plus recipients, directing traffic safely and loading the groceries and other goods into waiting trunks and hatchbacks.

“It’s been more than 11 months since the casinos and other entertainment venues were first shut down,” Wowkanech said. “Ever since then, we’ve been here to stand with our brothers and sisters and the whole Atlantic City community to help them keep food on their tables while we work to bring the city back to life.”