ABA workforce initiatives keep Ukranian refugees on the radar

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ABA workforce initiatives keep Ukranian refugees on the radar

8 Apr 2022

Joanie Spencer

Since 2008, Joanie Spencer has covered the retail and wholesale sides of the baking industry.
Serving associations such as the American Society of Baking (ASB) and BEMA, Joanie is also in demand as an industry presenter on bakery operations and trends. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from Rockhurst University and a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri.

When she’s not running or playing soccer, Joanie spends her time with her husband and 11-year-old son.

PALM SPRINGS, CA — As the war in Ukraine wears on, the commercial baking industry is feeling the impact on many levels, from grain production to grocery and gas prices. But before any of those issues hit US soil, the war is a humanitarian crisis for Ukrainian civilians, many of whom have fled their homes to seek refuge abroad.

Last week, President Biden met with European leaders to collaborate on how the West is responding to the crisis. From that meeting, the administration announced that the US plans to accept up to 100,000 Ukrainian refugees.

This was a topic of discussion during the American Bakers Association (ABA)’s annual convention, held March 26-30, as the association’s key leaders addressed the top areas of concern for commercial bakers.

As the industry faces a critical workforce shortage, ABA’s president and CEO Robb MacKie suggested that there could be opportunities to partner with refugee organizations to provide job opportunities to Ukrainians seeking refuge in the US.

“This is an excellent opportunity for us to welcome refugees and show them that there’s a great future for them here.” — Lauren Williams | director of government relations | ABA

“This is an excellent opportunity for us to welcome refugees and show them that there’s a great future for them here,” said Lauren Williams, director of government relations for ABA. “We have strong resources that will allow us to partner with refugee organizations, and we can connect them with member businesses.”

It’s a way for the commercial baking industry to help acclimate Ukrainians into American communities. It not only allows them to gain employment and income, but it also helps baking companies who are struggling to get product out the door when they’re short staffed.

ABA has also provided resources for the industry to assist Ukraine on its home soil, as well. The association provided information produced by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) on how to donate and provide additional resources to Ukraine.

For more information on how to support the efforts, visit www.americanbakers.org.

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