Chickens in battery cages are also more likely to peck at other birds out of stress, boredom, or hunger, which can cause injury, feather loss, and in severe cases, mortality. Sick or injured hens in densely stocked cages can also suffer for prolonged periods without medical care because they are harder for workers to spot.

The total proportion of cage-free hens in the U.S. has quadrupled in the last decade, from 10% of the total egg-laying flock in 2016 to over 40% today. In addition, over 200 restaurants, retailers, and other food businesses have made commitments to transition to 100% cage-free eggs within the next several years, including retailers that WIC and its recipients highly depend on such as Target, Walmart, Publix, and Ahold Delhaize.

Compassion USA and WIC

To create a truly just, sustainable transition to a cage-free future, all consumers—regardless of income—must be able to access more compassionate foods. As egg production increasingly shifts to cage-free as a result of consumer demand, state legislation, and retailer commitments, it is in the WIC program's best interest to prepare for a cage-free future. Compassion USA is committed to working with the WIC program, National WIC Association, and major retailers to ensure all WIC recipients can purchase cage-free eggs.

Benefits of Adding Cage-Free

WIC agencies that have added cage-free eggs to their approved foods lists have cited several benefits, including:

increased participant satisfaction
increased redemption of benefits
improved vendor relationships
additional point-of-purchase options
easier shopping experience
ability to support local farmers
increased flexibility with market changes

Please download CIWF's Fact Sheet and Slide Deck for more information: