As the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread, its ripple effects are being felt across society. The food industry, in particular, has recently been thrown into the spotlight — with one large meat processing plant in the U.S. closing, and others at risk.
"Few places in America have seen a higher rate of coronavirus cases than meat processing plants," says host Trevor Noah in the Daily Show clip above, "and although there doesn't seem to be a danger to the food itself, in most of these facilities the workers are quite literally putting their lives on the line."
Noah breaks down the conditions in the plants — from packed factory floors to a lack of PPE — before going on to speak about another huge issue: distribution. Noah cites 900 gallons of craft beer that had to be dumped down a drain due to a lack of demand, and explains that the problem is also being felt around the world. Belgium, for instance, recently encouraged its citizens to eat more french fries in order to cut down on waste.
"Here's what I say," says Noah. "If Belgium can solve its food chain problems by asking people just to eat more french fries, then surely the United States of America can step up, too."
It's also worth remembering that alongside distribution issues, many families are struggling to access food at all — and it you want to help, there are many organisations working hard to feed them.
Topics Health The Daily Show Trevor Noah COVID-19
