Locals should pick fruit

I find it hard to believe that bringing migrant farm workers into BC to help with fruit and vegetable crops has become such a dilemma.

There are thousands of people out of work right now because of social distancing, and a good majority of them are going to get financial aid from the government for staying home.  Is there any reason why a lot of these people cannot help out at the orchards and farms in order to keep the flow of fresh fruit and vegetables available to the public?  Perhaps they could actually top up their dwindling income by doing so, while at the same time help avert a very critical food shortage.

I’m sure the farmers and fruit growers are well aware of the guidelines for employees, and will do their utmost to help protect everyone there.  It is critically important to them to get the crops planted and harvested in order to keep fresh supplies coming in to the stores.  

Getting help within the province will eliminate the chance of a lot of new coronavirus cases being brought in.  Using people who have completed their quarantine period or have not travelled outside the province is a much safer alternative to bringing in outside help.

We have all been applauding the efforts of front line medical workers and everyone doing their best to help out in this situation.  Maybe it’s time we realized that there are other very important jobs out there that need to be done.  Without fresh food on the table, things could get much worse for everyone!

Janet Steiert