A Walmart in Canton, Ohio, recently held a food drive for its own employees, sparking outrage in the area.
“Please donate food items so associates in need can enjoy Thanksgiving dinner,” reads a sign accompanied by several plastic bins.
Known for its poverty level wages to associates, many thought the Walmart food drive offensive – asking low-wage workers to donate food to other low-wage workers.
A company spokesman defended the drive, saying that it is evidence that employees care about each other, according to thenation.com.
A recent report by the Democratic staff of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce revealed that low wages place a heavy burden on U.S. taxpayers. It estimated that one Walmart supercenter employing 300 workers could cost taxpayers at least $904,000 annually.
That’s because Walmart’s low paid workers rely on government food stamps, health insurance plans and other safety net programs.
