Food sector associations want for workers to receive vaccinations first.
Washington, DC When a coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic vaccine becomes available, workers in the food and agriculture industries should be given top priority. This was requested in a letter signed by 15 organisations on June 24, including the American Bakers Association, the Consumer Brands Association, and the North American Millers’ Association. First responders, health care providers, and high-risk persons now have the highest priority.
“The ABA’s president and CEO, Robb MacKie, stated that the COVID-19 vaccine would safeguard the baking industry’s frontline workers and maintain supply chain viability.” The food and agriculture industries have successfully fought for priority access to sanitizer, personal protective equipment, and testing. This request is an addition to their efforts.
“The added stress of food scarcity has been spared Americans at a time when they are struggling with stay-at-home orders, layoffs and furloughs, and keeping their families safe.”
Additionally, the business associations asked the federal government to organise the delivery of vaccines.
The letter from the groups said, “Leaving vaccine distribution to the states will result in an inconsistent, inefficient process.”
According to the groups, “a critical intervention to help keep workers healthy and the food and CPG supply chain operating will be prioritising vaccinations for food, agriculture, retail, and CPG workers.”