Micheal Clements, NAFB News Service

A group of 36 Democratic Senators led by U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow from Michigan urges the Trump administration to protect essential workers in the food supply chain. There have been numerous reports of essential workers in meatpacking plants, processing facilities, farms, grocery stores, and markets falling ill from COVID-19. Some workers have reportedly felt pressured to go to work even when feeling sick. There are also serious concerns about the health of farmworkers who often work, live, and travel in close proximity, making social distancing very difficult. A letter to the Trump administration from the Senators states, “It is vital that we do everything we can to protect food supply workers.” The Senators say breakdowns in the food supply chain could have significant economic impacts for both consumers and agricultural producers. The Senators urged the White House and federal agencies to coordinate with state and local governments and the private sector to take aggressive action to protect essential workers and the food supply from further damage.