New York, August 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — The US Broiler Welfare Working Group welcomes nine new major food companies, bringing the group to 16 members. The doubling of membership shows the food industry’s drive to achieve higher welfare practices for broiler chickens based on consumer and investor demand.working group currently includes applegate, Aramark, Compass Group, Earth Animal, Giant Eagle, HelloFresh US, Martha Stewart & Marley Spoon, Natural Grocers, Nestlé united states of americaPanera Bread, Preta Manger, Shake Shack, Sodexo, Sprout, Target, Whole FoodsTogether, these companies have purchased more than 540 million pounds of chicken in 2021.
“Natural Grocers is delighted to join the US Working Group for Broiler Welfare. We look forward to creating solutions that support healthy birds, thriving farms, and vibrant rural economies and communities.” – Christie Zimmerman, Product Standards Manager/Food, Natural Food Store
A working group facilitated by the Compassion of World Farming and Blue House Sustainability Consulting explores viable strategies and creative solutions for transitioning supply chains through the welfare standards outlined in the Better Chicken Commitment (BCC). By doing so, we aim to support food companies. Together, working group members stand to improve the lives of more than 111 million chickens annually.
The working group will work with Perdue Farms, the fourth largest chicken producer in the United States, to help members meet their animal welfare commitments over the next few years. Since 2016, Perdue has been making continuous improvements, shifting her chain of broiler chicken supplies to match her BCC and improve welfare standards. The company is the first major poultry company to install atmospheric control stunning units that offer a more humane method of slaughtering than traditional practices and has plans to convert other facilities.
“Many of Perdue’s animal care practices are aligned with core tenants of the Better Chicken Commitment. As part of Perdue’s commitment to continuous improvement, we are partnering with Compassion in World Farming and this working group. We will continue to provide products from animals raised according to the standards promised by BCC to meet the demand of existing and future new customers.” Bruce Stewart-BrownSVP Technical Services and Innovation, Perdue.
HelloFresh US Director of Sustainability Jeff Yorzyk said: “As a member of this working group, led by Compassion in World Farming, we look forward to working closely with our peers and engaging with our suppliers in ways that will accelerate BCC implementation.”
“The working group is supporting our commitment and developing the tools necessary to work from communication fact sheets to audit and labeling protocols,” he said. Kristen Smith, Director of Sustainability, Earth Animal. “We appreciate the candid conversations we have with Compassion in World Farming and other members about common challenges and potential solutions. It also helps in educating companies.”
The working group met in 2021 to explore practical strategies and creative solutions to enable member companies to move forward towards their commitments.thoughtfulness united states of america We hope that this group’s continued commitment and learning will maintain positive momentum and drive broader progress among the more than 200 US brands committed to improving welfare standards in line with the BCC. increase.
“Bringing the leading food businesses together in a working group will enable true collaboration, innovation and progress toward higher standards of welfare for the more than nine billion chickens raised in the United States each year.” Tessa Hale, U.S. Head of Food Business, Compassion in Global Agriculture. “The expansion of the working group reflects our desire to make a meaningful difference in how we treat the most farmed animals on the planet.In addition to many new food business partners, several such as Perdue We are delighted to be working with one of the top chicken producers in leading animal welfare practices.”
“At Whole Foods Market, we have long maintained rigorous quality standards throughout our meat sector and taken broiler chicken welfare seriously. We are delighted to be joining the group to share what we have learned about raising the bar for broiler welfare and to work with others to drive systemic change. Karen ChristensenWhole Foods Market, senior vice president of fresh food merchandising.
thoughtfulness as we Food business owners and animal welfare professionals collaborate with others to delve into research, answer questions, and raise welfare standards for chickens. For working group member information, please email us. [email protected].
Note to editors:
Blue House Sustainability Consulting Mindy Gomez Caceresis an expert with over 20 years of experience helping global Fortune 500 companies create key sustainability strategies and communications.
Compassion in World Farming was founded in 1967 by British dairy farmers. British dairy farmers were horrified by the development of intensive factory farming. Today, Compassion is a global movement dedicated to ending factory farming and achieving humane and sustainable food.Headquartered in the UK with offices around the world EuropeAmerica, China When South AfricaFor more information on compassion in global agriculture, visit www.ciwf.com.
The Better Chicken Commitment (BCC) is a science-based policy designed to address the four most important welfare issues that adversely affect broiler chickens under today’s production practices.His two versions of North American BCC developed for US and US food companies Canada It addresses the same benefits issues but allows flexibility in how companies create supply chain roadmaps to meet BCCs and subsequently demonstrate ongoing compliance. For Compassion in World Farming’s assessment of the progress made by food industry leaders against their promise to source higher welfare chicken, visit www.chickentrack.com.
Natural Grocers, a Vitamin Cottage Company (NYSE: NGVC), is a growing specialty retailer of natural and organic groceries, body care products and nutritional supplements. Products sold by Natural Grocers must meet strict quality guidelines and must not contain artificial colors, flavors, preservatives or sweeteners, or partially hydrogenated or hydrogenated oils. The company sells only USDA-certified organic produce, pasture-raised, non-restricted dairy, and free-range eggs. Natural Grocers’ flexible small store format allows us to offer affordable prices in a shopper-friendly, clean and convenient retail environment. The company also offers an extensive range of free, science-based nutrition education programs to help customers make informed health and nutrition choices. The company was founded in 1955 by him and has 163 stores in 21 states. For more information and store locations, please visit www.NaturalGrocers.com.
SOURCE Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc.
