As Covid-19 continues to spread across the world, with cases continuing to rise, supply chains around the globe are beginning to take a hit. Most notably the food supply chain is beginning to strain. The meatpacking industry, unable to accommodate proper social distancing protocol, is experiencing a severe hit to their workforce. Farmers and agricultural businesses are taking to the fields after the winter season and need an abundance of able-bodied workers. But who typically fills these roles? Well according to the Department of Agriculture about half the country's field hands, more than a million workers, are undocumented immigrants. On June 25, 2020, from 12-1 PM, the Columbus Council on World Affairs invites Mexican border correspondent and author, Alfredo Corchado, to take a deeper look at this issue, the impact on our food supply, and what it actually means to be an essential worker. |