ARTHUR – Turkey Farmers of Ontario (TFO) representatives served complimentary boxed lunches to employees of Golden Valley Farms in Arthur on Aug. 27 to thank the workers for their efforts throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
The previous day, TFO officials served lunches to employees at the Exceldor turkey processing plant in Hanover.
“This is a small token of our appreciation,” stated TFO chair Brian Ricker.
“Our farmers want these essential workers to know how deeply grateful we are for their continued commitment to feeding Ontario families, even during a pandemic.”
In Arthur, turkey farmer Greg Lansink handed out lunches to Golden Valley Farms employees alongside agriculture minister Ernie Hardeman, Perth-Wellington MP John Nater and MPP Randy Pettapiece.
The Arthur and Hanover visits took place during the second of three weeks that TFO will provide lunches to workers at processing plants.
On Sept. 2 and 3 lunches will be served to Belwood Poultry workers in Windsor and Amhertsburg.
TFO officials note that while processing plants have always operated under “rigorous hygiene, health and biosafety measures,” during the COVID-19 crisis additional measures have been adopted “to further raise hygiene standards and protect essential workers while continuing to supply Canadians with safe, healthy turkey products.”
Golden Valley Farms employee Stephanie Nelson receives a complimentary lunch from agriculture minister Ernie Hardeman on Aug. 27, as MPP Randy Pettapiece looks on. Submitted photo
