Second, many of us had not taken the time to truly understand how our food was produced. In a world where we are bombarded with information and inundated with things to do, places to go, and people to see, for many of us, food is just a means to an end. The food industry has been so successful in detaching the end product from its origin that we have accepted their narrative without question, and so quiet complacency has continued.

But, thanks to my fellow New Jerseyans, that is changing with the advancement of bill A5236/S3401, which would put a statewide ban on the use of breeding pig gestation crates and veal crates. Our residents have opened up the conversation about the animals so many of us grew up eating during family barbecues, holidays, sporting events, or weeknight dinners with our parents. We asked ourselves, “Where do these animals come from? How did they live? And how can we do better for them?”

As a fellow New Jerseyan, born and raised, I know there are two values that are deeply ingrained in every New Jersey native. First, we don’t make excuses for an answer. As New Jerseyans, our instincts compel us to call out lies and seek the truth. Second, we continually strive for better. We cannot stand being stagnant, and we never do things solely because that’s “the way it’s always been done” or because someone else tells us it must be so. We ask questions, embrace new ideas, accept our flaws, and hold ourselves accountable for the well-being of others. Not only do we seek knowledge, but we also aren’t afraid of acting upon new knowledge to drive change.

Bill A5236/S3401 is a testament to these principles. First, there is no excuse to allow gestation and veal crates in New Jersey. Studies have shown they have no economic or safety benefits and cause significant suffering. Second, by advancing this bill we are striving for better by holding companies and the legislature accountable for the continued welfare of animals within our borders. We made it this far because we sought the truth, and as New Jerseyans, we aren’t afraid to put ourselves out there if it means making positive change. This is our chance to call out outdated, inhumane practices and tell the nation that we won’t allow them. That is why Compassion USA along with a broad coalition of supporters are calling on the New Jersey legislature to vote for A5236/S3401 in the new year. Let’s end the cage age!

By Allie Molinaro, Campaigns Coordinator