These entertainment professionals are currently on strike to demand fair treatment and wages from big production companies.
The world is being taken over by Artificial Intelligence, but certain gestures showcase why humanity is irreplaceable. Recently, a food bank on Venice Boulevard in Los Angeles announced that they would be giving free food to striking actors and writers, reports TODAY. The actors and writers are striking because of the inhuman approach taken towards them by the big production companies. In such a time to have such empathy from an association means a lot to the writers and actors striking for rightful wages.
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For almost two weeks, members of SAG-AFTRA have gone on strike after announcing on July 13. The union comprises actors, recording artists, radio personalities and other media professionals. They are joining already striking members of WGA who have been at this since May 2. The strikes have led to a stop of income for almost 200,000 entertainment professionals. It has caused a lot of difficulty for many individuals regarding feeding themselves.
Actress, comedian and writer Kristina Wong made this announcement on Instagram. The caption of her post read, "Free Groceries For SAG-AFTRA actors and WGA writers until the end of the strike! This is a totally real offer to get our union siblings through this historic fight for our livelihoods!" The actress describes herself as a "food bank influencer." Moreover, Wong informs that people can come and "Uncle Glen Curado" will give them a cart of groceries worth $300. The individuals need to show up from Monday through Saturday and carry their SAG-AFTRA or WGA card. Wong promises fresh produce for artists and writers in order to stay healthy on picket lines.
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World Harvest Food Bank is the organization behind providing food to people. Their policy is to deliver food to working families, veterans, students or seniors who do not have appropriate financial intake. In an interview with TODAY "Uncle Glen Curado" talked about the whole operation and said, "I started this project in 2007 to help the working poor. We've been around 15 going on 16 years right in the middle of Los Angeles." He added that regularly, he gives out 50 to 100 carts of food, but these strikes have reflected a spike of 180.
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Wong has been an advocate for food banks. She explains why this offer hits so close to home for so many members of SAG-AFTRA and WGA, "The truth is that over 80% of us don't qualify for our health insurance. I've never qualified as a SAG actor." Wong has been a member of SAG since 2002. For many years, she couldn't support herself only through acting work and had to take up many part-time gigs. It was during one of such tiring times she came across World Harvest when she was trying to only spend $50 a month on food because of her budget.
Apart from Wong and World Harvest, other celebrities are also contributing in order to help striking actors and writers with food and other amenities. Drew Carey has promised to buy lunches and dinners for striking members at two particular restaurants in Los Angeles.