For more than a decade, more than 100 migrant and refugee families from countries like Myanmar (formerly Burma), Vietnam, Ethiopia, Guatemala and others have come to Moorefield, West Virginia.
They’ve done so to work at Pilgrim’s Pride – a large poultry plant that is Hardy County’s biggest employer with 1,700 workers.
For the past six months, 100 Days in Appalachia reporter Anna Patrick has been working on two stories exploring Moorefield’s growing migrant and refugee population.
Her stories take a deep dive into Moorefield’s poultry industry and discusses what a typical workday is like for employees at Pilgrim’s Pride.
Her stories also include a profile of one Moorefield woman who teaches English class offered to new community members.
West Virginia Public Broadcasting spoke with Anna about her stories. See below for an extended version of the interview.
Anna’s stories called “Always Hiring” can be foundhere.
100 Days in Appalachia is a partner with West Virginia Public Broadcasting.