Today, at a time when our nation faces an unprecedented health crisis, we are reminded of how critical our industry is in meeting the needs of our communities.

Below are 5 reasons our dedicated workforce is essential:

1. Our country is experiencing an unprecedented demand for basic necessities, such as food and beverages.
2. The hardworking men and women of the non-alcoholic beverage industry are on the front lines in providing for the needs of our communities and are working around the clock to transport beverages from bottling plant to retailer and into the hands on consumers.
3. Our workforce is replenishing and restocking shelves daily, if not more frequently, to ensure consumers have a constant and adequate supply of food and beverages.
4. Beverage industry workers are delivering essential goods such as bottle water, teas, sports drinks and other functional beverages, as well as beverages that provide electrolytes, antioxidants and other vitamins and minerals.
5. Our workers are supporting groceries, pharmacies and other retailers who are crucial to meeting the needs of households across the country.

America's beverage companies are proud to support more than 264,000 hard-working Americans with good-paying, family-supporting jobs. A recent study found that one-fifth of our nation's economy and one-fourth of American jobs are either directly or indirectly linked to the food and agriculture sectors. These sectors support more than 46.8 million jobs with $2.27 trillion in wages and a total economic impact of $7.63 trillion.

As the industry voice for America's leading beverage companies, the American Beverage Association are urging federal, state and local leaders to take specific actions during this global pandemic that will allow beverage manufacturers, distributors and suppliers to deliver basic consumer goods to communities as timely and efficiently as possible.

Today, and every day, we thank the dedicated employees who are working around the clock to provide our nation with the food, beverages and consumer products Americans need now more than ever.