Protesters in Costumes Demand Action for Chickens at Food Lion
URGENT UPDATE: Protesters clad in Halloween costumes gathered outside Food Lion’s headquarters in Salisbury this morning, demanding better conditions for chickens used in egg production. The demonstration comes as the supermarket chain faces backlash for its egg sourcing practices, particularly the use of “battery cages” that restrict hen movement to an area no larger than a sheet of paper.
The protest, organized by the Humane League, is a response to Ahold Delhaize, Food Lion’s parent company, which recently announced it would delay its commitment to go 100% cage-free from 2025 to 2032. This extension has ignited frustration among animal rights advocates, who have been vocal about the plight of hens in confinement.
“We will keep showing up. We will keep being loud,” declared an organizer known only as Jones, amidst chants of “free the chickens.” The group has been protesting for two weeks and plans to continue their efforts in the coming weeks. This latest demonstration, featuring costumes inspired by horror characters like Pennywise, aims to highlight what the protesters view as the “real-world villains” behind animal suffering.
Jones emphasized the local and global significance of the issue, stating, “This is just so embarrassing and really raises questions of trust.” Protesters argue that the delay undermines Ahold Delhaize’s credibility and its commitment to animal welfare.
In response to the protests, Ahold Delhaize reiterated its dedication to transitioning to cage-free egg sales. Vice President of Communications Christy Phillips-Brown stated, “We are committed to our mission of providing healthy, affordable nutrition for our customers. We are making steady progress in our transition to cage-free eggs.” Currently, 100% of Food Lion’s stores offer cage-free options, with over 65% of their egg assortment being cage-free.
Despite these assurances, protesters remain steadfast in their demands. With signs reading “stop using cages,” the group continues to amplify their message, determined to hold Food Lion accountable for its promises.
This ongoing protest not only highlights local concerns in Salisbury but also reflects a broader movement against animal confinement practices that are garnering international attention. As activists across multiple regions, including Massachusetts and even the Netherlands, join in solidarity, the urgency of the situation becomes increasingly apparent.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the Humane League and other activists plan to continue their efforts until significant changes are made.
