Photo: Typical factory farm
In North America, the $93 billion foodservice provider (FSP) sector is a major player, feeding people at institutions like universities, hospitals, nursing homes, and K–12 schools. Though this industry has a massive influence on our food system, it often avoids accountability for how it treats animals. Many FSPs rely on factory farms that perpetuate the suffering of billions of chickens. With significant purchasing power and market influence, FSPs are uniquely positioned to drive change by eliminating the worst cruelty chickens in their operations endure.
The Problem
In the United States, over 99% of the nine billion chickens raised for meat each year come from factory farms, where they endure immense, lifelong suffering. Most are “Frankenchickens,” birds bred to grow at unnatural rates, which causes ailments like crippling lameness, muscle atrophy, and heart failure. Many even collapse under the weight of their massive bodies, and some die of starvation or dehydration when they can’t walk to reach food or water.
Rather than taking a stand for millions of birds, many FSPs have instead been dragging their feet or failing to act entirely.
That is why Mercy For Animals has published the Serving Up Change Report, which reveals the foodservice providers that are taking steps to address the worst cruelty in their operations and those that are falling behind.
Our Report’s Findings
Mercy For Animals’ latest report assesses 22 FSPs on their chicken welfare policies, implementation, and overall transparency. Some FSPs, like Delaware North, Whitsons Culinary Group, and Southwest Foodservice Excellence, are making meaningful strides toward fulfilling their promises to address chicken cruelty, while others, like Compass Group USA, Pomptonian Food Service, and Creative Dining Services, are falling behind.
Looking Ahead
By embracing and acting on chicken welfare commitments, forward-thinking FSPs can lead in creating a more ethical supply chain and improve the lives of millions of chickens—but only if they choose to meaningfully act and follow through on their promises.
What You Can Do
Cumulatively, the meals FSPs serve help dictate whether hundreds of millions of chickens suffer.
Head over to ServingUpChange.org to see how FSPs at your university, company, airport, hospital, or favorite venue rank. Then urge poor performers to do better for chickens.
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