3-20-2025 4:05am

CAGE-FREE ADVOCATES

Since December, passionate animal advocates have been rallying at the Food Lion in Cockeysville, demanding the store keep a promise it made to customers—and they’re not backing down until they do.

At least once a month, these protests have drawn attention to Food Lion's failure to fulfill its commitment to go cage-free by 2025. Instead, the company has pushed the deadline back a full seven years, citing delays in the supply chain and other challenges. But this delay is not only disappointing; it’s also a missed opportunity to take a meaningful step toward better food safety, animal welfare, and consumer confidence. “Food Lion made this commitment back in 2016 and have had almost 10 years to fulfill their promise. They have no legitimate excuse to roll back their promise, especially given how much time they’ve had to make the change,” protest organizer Jen Voelker said.

The growing public demand for cage-free eggs is part of a larger shift in the industry, one that prioritizes humane treatment of animals and consumer health. Cage-free systems, where hens are allowed more space to move around, have been proven to reduce the risk of diseases like salmonella, which is a concern that has only heightened with the recent bird flu outbreaks. The cramped, unsanitary conditions of battery cages create the perfect breeding ground for disease, putting consumers and workers at risk. With egg prices at historic highs due to factors like bird flu and inflation, ensuring that eggs are safely produced should be a top priority for all retailers, including Food Lion.

It is important to recognize that the shift toward cage-free production is not only inevitable, but necessary. The industry as a whole is already moving in this direction, with major retailers and food producers pledging to adopt cage-free systems in response to consumer demand. Food Lion’s decision to delay its commitment sends the wrong message to both consumers and the industry. It’s time for Food Lion to honor its word and make the transition to cage-free eggs without further delay. “If huge companies like McDonald’s, Burger King, Costco and more can be 100% cage free, then Food Lion has no excuse,” Voelker said.

For our community in Cockeysville, this issue matters. We care about the health of our families, the treatment of animals, and the affordability of the food we buy. By holding Food Lion accountable, we are advocating for the changes that will help ensure a safer, more humane, and more sustainable food system for everyone. Find more information at FoodLionLies.com.