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College implements cage-free egg policy in dining halls

March 01, 2007

Connecticut College implements cage-free egg policy in dining halls

For immediate release - March 1, 2007 Contact: Eric Cárdenas (860) 439-2508; eric.cardenas@conncoll.edu   Connecticut College implements cage-free egg policy in dining halls   NEW LONDON, Conn. - Connecticut College has announced that it will exclusively use cage-free shell eggs in its student dining facilities, effective immediately.

The college, which uses approximately 130,000 eggs each academic year, implemented the policy to remain true to its mission of environmental sustainability and social responsibility.

Ingrid Bushwack, director of Connecticut College Dining Services, said the college is pleased to switch to cage-free eggs.

"Using eggs from hens raised humanely and in an environment that mimics their natural habitat is important to us," Bushwack said. "Just as is our push to use organic and locally-produced commodities when possible."

Students at Connecticut College also maintain an organic garden on campus that provides some vegetables to the campus´ dining halls.

The cage-free eggs will be supplied to Connecticut College by Pete & Jerry´s Inc.

According to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), Connecticut College joins many regional schools including University of Connecticut and Unquowa School, as well as Madison´s Mercy Center, in enacting a policy to eliminate or greatly reduce the use of eggs from caged hens. Across the country, more than 100 schools have done the same.

"Connecticut College has taken a positive step for animal welfare by ending its use of shell eggs from caged birds," said Paul Shapiro, Factory Farming Campaign director for The HSUS. "The Humane Society of the United States applauds the school´s efforts to reduce animal suffering, and we encourage others to follow its example."

Ranked among the most selective private liberal arts colleges in the nation, Connecticut College enrolls 1,900 men and women from 43 states and 45 countries. The college is known for putting the liberal arts into action through interdisciplinary studies, international programs, funded internships, student-faculty research and service learning. Founded in 1911, the college operates under an 85-year-old honor code. The college is located at 270 Mohegan Ave, New London, about two hours by car from Boston and New York. The 750-acre campus is an arboretum overlooking Long Island Sound. For more information, visit www.connecticutcollege.edu.   --CC--  

For more information contact: Amy Sullivan (860) 439-2526; amy.sullivan@conncoll.edu