Layoffs and food lines: How the pandemic slams the poorest U.S. workers

People sit separated from each other in a bus where signs have been placed to prevent people from seating close to each other in response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Laredo, Texas, U.S., March 21, 2020. Picture taken March 21, 2020. REUTERS/Veronica G. Cardenas u000d u000d

Laredo, Texas (Reuters) - Alberto Mendoza figures he can make it a couple of weeks on unemployment benefits before starting to decide which bills won't get paid. The 26-year-old father of three lost his job training cooks when all the local restaurants started closing their doors and laying off staff.

“I have to pay rent, my truck bills; I have three children to support,” he said.