Published 2/13/2016

Just two weeks after our supporter Jessie Duroe Hadley, a mom from Decatur, Georgia, started a change.org petition and days after our Adele “Hello” parody, Trader Joe’s announced they plan to go 100% cage-free by 2025 (and 2020 in Western states). This comes at a time when groups around the country, including the Humane Society for the United States, the Humane League, Mercy for Animals and many others, are united in asking retailers to take eggs from caged hens off of their shelves. Trader Joe’s joins retailers BJs Wholesale Club, Target, and Coscto in committing to go cage-free. 

“We wholeheartedly commend Trader Joe’s for their decision. No supermarket with a future wants to leave cruelty on their shelves – it’s just plain bad for business,” said Leah Garces, US Director Compassion in World Farming. 

Trader Joe’s stated that “if market conditions allow us to accomplish these goals earlier, while still providing our customer’s outstanding value, we will do so.”

Garces commented, “We plan to hold them to their ambition to accomplish taking eggs from caged hens off of their shelf sooner than 2025.”

Compassion also received celebrity support from actor Paul Wesley (Vampire Diaries) who tweeted in support of the campaign. 

Our Adele “hello’ parody may go down in farm animal welfare history as the video that made Trader Joe’s change its mind. But what we are most proud of is our supporters’ continued commitment to make a difference to farm animals. Jessie proved that one person can make a difference to farm animals! Our thanks, and the hens’ thanks, goes out to her!

This victory would not have been possible without our supporters. Donate now to help improve the lives of more farmed animals!