From Coop to Campus: Cracking the Code on Cage-Free Eggs

You’ve probably bought and cracked open an egg without even thinking twice about it. We don’t often think about where our food comes from, just consuming it aimlessly, whether it is in an omelet, scrambled, over-easy, fried, or in a breakfast sandwich. It’s a great addition to a breakfast or brunch meal, but in today's landscape, even something as simple as an egg carries a bigger story, with being cage-free being an interesting part of it. 

The next time you’re at the grocery store, you may notice a few egg cartons proudly toting the “cage-free” label, signifying a commitment to sustainability. Cage-free eggs describe the open indoor living environment of the hens that are laying eggs. While they may not roam outdoors (that would be considered “free-range”), these hens are not cooped up in cages, which would prevent them from experiencing intense anguish. 

The idea of cage-free eggs has been a growing trend among distributors due to concerns about animal welfare. Previously, it was common for hens to be confined to cages,  with entire flocks more susceptible to injury and diseases. 

In the cages, hens also experience fear and a deteriorating mental well-being as intense stress persists in a confined space. Allowing the hens to roam outside of cages keeps them motivated not just to lay eggs but also to partake in their natural behaviors. While the taste doesn’t differ, cage-free eggs offer us peace of mind, knowing that care was taken to bring them to our plates. 

As of 2021, Campus Dining by Thompson Hospitality became 100 percent cage-free, committing to sustainability and ensuring intentionality at every step of the dining process. This commitment took years to develop through our partnership with Compass USA and the Global Animal Partnership animal welfare certification program. Each time you see an egg on campus, you, too, are automatically part of a more responsible sourcing approach.  

But your impact doesn’t have to stop on campus; college is the time when a lot of your habits begin to take shape, including how you think about food. The next time you’re at the grocery store, take time to read the labels to understand the story behind your food. Being an informed eater is all about awareness.