Stop & Shop Strike Day 5: Food Donated To Pantries

Five days into the Stop & Shop union strike across Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut, workers stood strong despite periods of heavy rain. With several stores still closed and many shoppers refusing to cross the picket lines at reopened stores, Stop & Shop said Monday that it is partnering with local food banks to prevent food waste.

"We are working with our regional food bank partners, as well as local food pantries, to donate as much food as possible to our neighbors in need," said Stephanie Shuman, a spokesperson for the company. Stop & Shop declined to say where specifically the food was being donated or how much revenue has been lost from food spoilage.

On the picket lines, striking workers thanked members of the community for their continued support throughout the weekend.

"THANK YOU for having our back!" workers wrote on Facebook. " It's been a long five days but our spirits are high because of your overwhelming support. We couldn't do this without you."

Many customers have come out in support of union workers, from refusing to cross picket lines during the strike to bringing food to those on the picket line.

"I don’t work at Stop & Shop, but my family is supporting these workers," said one customer, Julie, over the weekend. "They work hard and deserve to have affordable health care. We want to shop here for our Easter dinner, but we won’t be if these workers are still being asked to accept cuts."

According to WPRI, negotiations are underway between the union and the company in Providence.

In a statement, Stop & Shop said the contract it is offering is "among the best UFCW retail contracts in the country."

"Stop & Shop remains ready and available to meet with the union locals at any time," the statement read in part. "We are committed to good faith bargaining and hope to reach new contracts as quickly as possible that both recognize and reward the great work of our associates and enable Stop & Shop to compete effectively in the rapidly changing New England grocery market."