A new survey conducted by Morning Consult and a nonprofit health group reports that 65 per cent of adults support creating a program that would allow migrant farmworkers to remain in the United States to support food production. The topic is drawing attention during the holiday harvest period, when crops such as sweet potatoes, pecans, pumpkins, and cranberries require substantial labor and mechanization. According to the Kansas Reflector, about half of U.S. farmers report not having the labor they need.
Survey data indicate that support for such a program is especially strong in the Midwest and Northeast, where many farms are concentrated. Crop labor statistics cited in the report note that about 70 per cent of U.S. crop farmworkers are foreign-born, and around 41 per cent do not have work authorization.
A representative from the health advocacy group said, "From a health perspective, when farmers have the workers they need to grow and harvest crops, it helps keep nutritious holiday foods accessible and affordable for families."
The organization, which has members throughout the United States, also administers a grant program that supports farmers producing fruits, vegetables, and other foods.
The survey included additional questions about plant-based dishes during the Thanksgiving period. Seventy-five per cent of adults expressed interest in at least one turkey-free meal option listed, which ranged from sweet potato-based dishes to butternut squash paired with wild rice, cranberries, and pecans.
Another finding indicated that 64 per cent of adults would consider preparing traditional meals that are less costly than turkey. Research published in JAMA Network Open was referenced, noting that plant-based diets can reduce food costs by 19 per cent compared to a standard American diet.
A recent study involving 22 pairs of identical twins was also cited. The twins who followed a plant-based diet recorded lower LDL cholesterol and greater weight loss within eight weeks compared to twins consuming an omnivorous diet. The report notes that these results are consistent with existing research linking plant-based diets with improved weight management, lower blood pressure, and reduced risk of certain health conditions.
For more information:
Jeanne Stuart McVey
Physicians Committee
Tel: +1 202 527 7316
Email: [email protected]
www.pcrm.org
