Going cage free?

The Humane League of Philadelphia is working with students in bringing awareness to Eastern University about switching to cage-free eggs.

Since 2005, The Humane League of Philadelphia has assisted over 20 universities in the switch to cage-free eggs. In February, a group of alumni contacted this organization with concerns about source of Eastern’s eggs.

Kathy Seufert, director of campaigns at The Humane League of Philadelphia, said in an email interview, “Switching to cage-free eggs is an important transition for better sustainability, improved animal welfare and safer health conditions for consumers.”

Currently, Eastern purchases its eggs from “battery cage” farms, where hens are cramped into small, dirty cages. This is not only cruel to the animals, but it also increases the risk that humans may contract salmonella. Such farms are also potentially harmful to the environment.

Many students and alumni have shown themselves passionate about the possibility of this switch and are willing to support it wholeheartedly. The main setback that this group faces is an increase in meal plan prices. Proponents do not seem to be daunted by this and seek to do whatever they can to make it a reality.

“Virtually all of the students we’ve talked to, and who have signed our petitions and letters, are so concerned about the switch that they would be willing to absorb this cost if necessary,” Seufert said.

You can get involved by visiting thehumaneleague.com/CageFreeEastern/ to sign the petition asking Eastern to go cage-free. More information about the importance of going cage-free, as well as a list of all the universities that have made the switch, is on The Humane League of Philadelphia’s website.

You can contact Seufert at kathy@thehumaneleague.com for any additional questions or concerns that you may have. You may also contact Eastern’s dining office and SGA to voice your thoughts on the significance of the matter.

When asked if she thought Eastern would one day have cage-free eggs, Seufert said, “With so many members of the Eastern community demanding the switch to cage-free eggs, it’s only a matter of time.”