Blog Post by Alex Cohen, October 22, 2020<\/p>\n
The Pandemic\u2019s effects on Migrant Farmworkers\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n During the course of Introduction to Food Studies, Professor Halpin has stressed the topic of References:<\/strong><\/p>\n \n Protecting Farmworkers From Coronavirus and Securing the Food Supply<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\nhardships experienced by migrant workers in the US. Although these workers experience
\nproblems such as low pay, no health insurance, substandard housing, and lack of
\ntransportation, they now have to overcome a new challenge: COVID-19. Many farms across
\nAmerica have reported outbreaks among hundreds of workers, yet the government has not
\nattempted to create any enforceable rules to protect these farmworkers or help by instructing
\nthem what to do when these workers get sick. Workers have explained the struggle of
\nprotecting themselves due to the fact that most of them live within close quarters, sleeping in
\nbunk beds, and sharing bathrooms and kitchens. Also, the buses in which they travel in are very
\ncrowded. On top of these issues, many migrants have explained the struggle of wearing masks
\nfor several hours in the hot weather and how it is difficult to not only breath but produce food
\nin a timely manner. Additionally, many of these migrant workers emphasize how they are
\nscared of the virus because they often do not have health insurance or paid sick leave. Due to
\nthe spread of COVID-19 amongst these farmworkers, the agricultural workforce may be
\ndoomed with dramatic negative implications for the national food supply. As the virus
\ncontinuously affects several farms, many processors, distributors, retailers, and even
\nconsumers are also at risk, as the food could possibly be contaminated by these agricultural
\nworkers. In order to resolve these problems, lawmakers and congress must take action to
\nsafeguard the farmworkers on the front lines of the pandemic. Also, the implementation of
\ntesting and treatment of COVID-19 within these farms must be easily accessible, regardless of
\nthe immigration status.<\/p>\n