The New Jersey Food Council applauds the support expressed by Gov. Phil Murphy for the adoption of a resolution that honors all front-line workers, including the food and grocery workforce, as part of a COVID-19 Heroes Day.
“Our lifeline food industry workforce heeded the call, serving our state in a time of crisis to keep New Jersey residents fed and supplied during the tremendous uncertainty of this global pandemic” said Linda Doherty, president and CEO of NJFC. “The NJFC is in full support of Gov. Murphy’s action to create ‘Covid-19 Heroes Day,’ serving as a constant reminder of the service of these professionals at a time when their dedication and spirit was needed most.”
“Our neighborhood grocery store associates and suppliers consistently display compassion, strength and leadership, remaining focused on customer service and community support. This resilient workforce truly deserves to be honored and recognized with this day,” said Doherty.
NJFC is also pleased that Murphy last week announced grocery and food industry workers are eligible for vaccination after being recognized as an “essential industry” in the state. This is a significant and meaningful action by the Murphy Administration to support the workforce as they stand at the frontline to feed and provide nutrition for 9 million residents of New Jersey.
The bi-partisan Heroes Day Resolution, sponsored by State Sen. Vin Gopal (D-Monmouth) and Sen. Anthony Bucco (R-Morris), demonstrates the unified support of all parties to celebrate and pay tribute to the grocery workforce.
Doherty said she was pleased to note that New Jersey’s supermarket workers also were honored as part of a national “Supermarket Employee Day” on Feb. 22.
The New Jersey Food Council is the Garden State’s preeminent trade association representing 1,200 retail food stores and food wholesalers, manufacturing and service companies that collectively employ more than 200,000 associates in New Jersey. For more information, visit njfoodcouncil.com.
