NORTH COUNTY (California) TIMES

February 9, 2007

Farm workers to receive $30,000 food donation

LOS ANGELES - Farm workers in Central California left unemployed by last month's crop-destroying freeze will receive $30,000 worth of non- perishable food donated by the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor.

The food will be delivered to farmers in Porterville by members of the Teamsters International Union and Teamsters Local 63.

"The Los Angeles labor movement recognizes that in order to lift others out of poverty and into the middle class, we must help each other when most in need. That includes national disasters," said Maria Elena Durazo, executive secretary-treasurer of the Federation.

"Today's contribution to aid our farm workers in the Central Valley speaks to this commitment by Los Angeles working families," she said.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture declared 18 California counties disaster areas as a result of the freeze.

"With every fruit that froze, so did the life of a farm worker," said United Farm Workers President Arturo Rodriguez. "Last month's freezing temperatures left thousands jobless. The UFW is proud to partner with organizations to work toward helping farm workers and their families when they need it most."