Food help set for laid-off workers

Mathis Winkler

Thursday, Oct. 25, 2001 | 9:01 a.m.

The culinary workers union continues to maintain a hotline for people seeking help getting food and monetary assistance. For English, call 386-5255; Spanish, 387-7039. To visit the Henderson suppor center,tcall 735-1090.

Culinary Union officials by next week hope to have food bins set up at grocery stores throughout the valley.

The donated food would be distributed to workers laid off in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks.

A one-stop support center for laid-off workers in Las Vegas closed Tuesday and, as a consequence, plans for a communitywide food bank have been implemented.

During the past three weeks more than 7,000 people who lost their jobs after Sept. 11 have received help with rent and utility payments, obtained food and assistance in completing applications for unemployment insurance at the center on South Commerce Street.

Food assistance "is the newest need," said Steven Horsford, chief executive officer for the union's training center. He coordinated the support center for laid-off workers.

"Food has become a big factor," Horsford said. "Virtually all food banks are empty of food."

He said union officials are meeting with representatives from grocery store chains to work out details in setting up the bins. The food will be given to laid-off workers as well as needy families of military personnel who have been called to duty.

Carol Sloan, director of family services for the Salvation Army, said food pantry supplies were running low. The Salvation Army provides food assistance to 200 people each day.

"All we have is 20 days worth of dried food here," Sloan said, who added that she didn't expect a major delivery until Thanksgiving. "We sure could use some help."

At Catholic Charities, Social Services Director Clentine Coleman said food pantry supplies were replenished after the local media reported on the food shortage.

But with 250 additional people seeking assistance each week, Coleman said help is still needed.

A second support center for laid-off workers in Henderson, which is being run by gaming companies, will remain open until Oct. 30. It will be closed Friday in observance of Nevada Day.

Center organizers said about 50 to 60 people were visiting the center each day to seek help. About 1,000 people have visited the Henderson center since it opened Oct. 10.