Jones
As Ahold execs hit the green in Hershey, activists made sure they couldn’t ignore the reality behind their “relaxing” golf weekend—proving that the fight for hens is louder than ever.
The sun was shining, the grass was freshly cut, and Ahold Delhaize execs gathered in Hershey, PA, ready to tee off at an annual company tournament.
But as they lined up their shots, the real game was playing out just beyond the fairway—where determined advocates made sure no one could forget the living, feeling beings still trapped in cages because of Ahold Delhaize’s broken promise.
Turning up the volume outside Hershey Lodge
For supporters of animals, activism isn’t just a word—it’s about presence. From the moment check-in began at Hershey Lodge, passionate protestors turned public sidewalks into a canvas for change, at three separate protests during one 24-hour period, chalking bold messages and raising their voices with megaphones and airhorns. Even as security and police looked on, the message was clear: Ahold can try to ignore the suffering in its supply chain, but it can’t dodge accountability.
The highlight? As mobile billboards circled the hotel, a plane circled overhead, trailing a message impossible to miss. As the morning warmed up and executives prepared to tee off, all eyes turned skyward. Circling above Hershey Lodge, a plane trailed a bold banner—its message unmissable from the ground below. For everyone gathered, it was a dramatic reminder that the movement for animals is impossible to ignore. While Ahold Delhaize’s leaders might try to keep their golf game focused, activists made sure the truth was written across the sky: the world is watching, and the call to spare hens from cages won’t quietly drift away.
While Ahold Delhaize’s PR machine might try to keep things tidy, there’s no muting the urgency of activists determined to hold execs responsible for every hen still suffering in a cage.
Direct action that won’t be ignored
But banners and chants were just the beginning. While Ahold Delhaize’s leaders gathered for their morning round, their phones buzzed with calls and texts—one after another, from supporters demanding answers. For every swing of the club, there was a reminder: you can’t silence those who care about animals, and you can’t hide from your commitments.
Even the golf course, spread across a dozen fairways, couldn’t shield them from the reality that compassion is catching on—and that consumers, communities, and the media are watching.
Why this matters for hens—and for all of us
Ahold Delhaize and its brands, like Stop & Shop, Food Lion, and Giant, made a promise to spare hens from horrific cages by 2025. But as that deadline approaches, their shelves are still stocked with eggs from birds who can’t even stretch their wings. That’s not just a broken promise—it’s a betrayal of shoppers’ trust and a setback for anyone who believes in a world where animals are treated as living, feeling beings.
What drives this movement isn’t just outrage—it’s hope. Every action, big or small, is a reminder that ordinary people can spark extraordinary change. By joining together—whether by showing up in person, making a call, or sharing the truth online—supporters are building a future where corporations do better, and animals aren’t left behind.
Our message: we’re not going anywhere
For anyone who thinks activism is just a passing storm, Hershey was proof: we’ll be the gnat in their ear for as long as it takes. Ahold’s execs can expect us wherever they go—until every promise made to animals is a promise kept.
So, what does it mean to be an activist with The Humane League? It means showing up with courage, creativity, and a refusal to let cruel practices go unnoticed. It means making your voice count—and inspiring others to do the same.
Ready to join the movement?
Whether you’re new to activism or a seasoned changemaker, your presence matters. Together, we can ensure companies like Ahold hear us—loud and clear.
