Health Fair provides vital information and services to migrant workers

Norfolk County, Ont. – July 26, 2014 – UFCW Canada and the Agriculture Workers Alliance (AWA) recently hosted the fourth annual Seasonal Agricultural Worker Health Fair in the farming community of Norfolk County, Ontario.

Over 290 migrant farm workers attended the event to access health and service agency information and services and to enjoy an afternoon of food and refreshments at the Simcoe Royal Canadian Legion.

The Health Fair strives to increase health and wellness among seasonal agricultural workers by providing attendees with free health services, information, and resources, while helping participating organizations gain awareness of the health-related challenges and priorities of migrant farm workers.

UFCW Canada and the AWA both displayed at the event, which featured information booths from twenty-three non-profit and government organizations. Fair attendees received information about the use of pesticides, mental and sexual health issues, WSIB claims, and fire prevention, and were also able to have their cholesterol, blood pressure, and sugar levels checked by health professionals free of charge.

"I would like to thank all of the volunteers and organizations who donated their time and effort to help migrant workers access the information and services that they deserve," says UFCW Canada National President Paul Meinema. "UFCW Canada and the AWA were extremely happy with the turnout at this year's event, and we look forward to hosting many more Health Fairs in the future," Meinema adds.