Food Bank Started By Laid Off Disney Cast Members in Danger of Closing — Find Out How YOU Can Help!

By Lydia Storks Leave a Comment

When Disney first closed down earlier this year, thousands of Cast Members were furloughed. Even though Disney World has since reopened, it has been challenging for Disney to recover, and they laid off 28,000 Cast Members in September.

Cast Member at Transportation and Ticket Center

This number has continued to grow. During this trying time, many people have stepped up to help these former Disney Cast Members in their time of need. We’ve seen food banks, benefit shows and albums, and so much more! Now, one of the food banks started by furloughed Cast Members is now in danger of closing — but there are ways you can help!

The members of the UNITE HERE Local 737 union started a food bank for Disney Cast Members earlier this year, but according to Spectrum News 13, the food bank is currently struggling.

Cast Members at the Boardwalk Bakery

The food bank started out with 200 people in need of donations weekly, but has since grown to 1200. And the work continues to increase. The UNITE HERE Local 737 Trustee Sonja Flowers told Spectrum News 13 that the bank is seeing more people each week, and they’re in need of more help for Christmastime. They aren’t sure how much longer they’ll be able to sustain the food bank, as they’re currently spending $20,000 each week to feed their recipients.

Cast Member

Not only does the food bank need money donations, but they also need food donations and volunteers at their distribution location off of La Quinta Drive in Orlando, FL. Hundreds of families depend on this service weekly, and the union is asking for the help of the community to keep it afloat.

Cast Members

If you’d like to help out with this cause by donating food, money, or your time, then please contact the Local 737 at 407-851-0626. They will be distributing food again this Saturday at their office in Orlando — 1255 La Quinta Drive #212.

Magic Kingdom Cast Members in Costume

Disney’s Cast Members have had an especially challenging year, and we’re incredibly grateful for all the magic that they have created, and continue to create, for countless guests every day! For more information on the Cast Member layoffs and how you can help those affected, stay tuned to DFB as we share more resources!