SAN DIEGO -- The strike is now stretching into its 13th day and there is still no end in sight, 10News reported.

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The lockout has had a huge impact on the food supply at the grocery retailers. 10News was told some food is getting so close to the expiration date that it has to be given away to local charities, and in some cases thrown out all together.

Melissa McKelvey is with Operation Homefront. Right now, her garage is filled with food donated by supermarkets whose employees are on strike.

"Meat -- that's a major blessing. It would normally be bought. (We) never have any of that," McKelvey said.

The food will go to military families to help make ends meet.

At the San Diego Food Bank, grocery stores from all over the county want to donate food nearing expiration.

The food bank serves 275 various charities. Director Mike Doody said calls have increased 10 times the normal amount.

At an Albertsons in Los Angeles, carts are filled with expired meat, and produce and bakery products were tossed. Charities are trying to take advantage of what they can.

Locked-out workers told 10News they are happy to see the surplus food going to charitable organizations.

Striker Karen Partman said, "I think that's wonderful because all the people they got out here are going to need it."

Friday marked the first union pay day for strike workers.

Depending on how many hours they spend on the picket lines, workers will receive up to $300 a week.