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From produce clerks to personal shoppers to warehouse stockers, millions of grocery workers across the U.S. are keeping food on the shelves throughout this pandemic for those of us hunkering at home. Their work is essential — needed and valued — and yet, many say they don't feel safe.

Just this week, workers at Amazon and Instacart 

 better protections, including paid sick leave and ready access to personal protective supplies, such as hand sanitizer and wipes.

Visual journalist Sarah Mirk checked in with a sampling of grocery workers from across the nation to hear more about their experiences on the job in recent weeks and what they say needs to change.

 is a visual journalist and the author of several books. She is a contributing editor of 

, a nonprofit news organization based in California. 

Panel 5, "2.9 million grocery workers ... $11.54 an hour": 

National Industry-Specific Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates.

Panel 16, list of companies raising wages by $2/hour:

"Coronavirus: Supermarkets pay big raises for Safeway, Target, and other workers." San Jose Mercury News. March 23.

"Grocery workers are risking their health during the pandemic to keep stores open. They want better pay and protections." Texas Tribune. March 24, 2020.

"Walmart is the latest retailer to temporarily raise pay in response to the Coronavirus." USA Today. March 23. 

"Albertsons Companies Announces Appreciation Pay for Front Line Associates." March 20. 

Business and Economic News

Health

COVID-19

Sarah Mirk

Author

"I feel happy to have a job that is important," says a grocery store clerk in Portland, Ore. "But safe? No way!" A graphic artist relays the worries, pleas and pride from key workers on the pandemic's front line. 

Grocery workers are essential — and feeling the strain

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