Kelly Myers
Changemakers came together to demand Del Taco adopt the Better Chicken Commitment.
Making relentless calls to HQ. Raising awareness in online reviews. Handing out leaflets at Del Taco locations. All over the country, our Changemakers showed up in droves to demonstrate to Del Taco what it will take to truly make us “Proud as Del.”
How can a company that claims to be “Proud as Del” about its food refuse to adopt the Better Chicken Commitment (BCC)?
The chickens that Del Taco sources are bred in windowless sheds, forced to lay in ammonia-laden litter, which can lead to respiratory illness and skin disease. The birds have been genetically manipulated so significantly that their legs break under their accelerated growth, leaving them mutilated and unable to move. They are then shackled upside-down, electrocuted, and slit at the neck—often while still fully conscious. These are the chickens that make it to your plate at a Del Taco restaurant.
How can Del Taco be “Proud as Del” of something so cruel?
Because of these unimaginably cruel practices taking place every day in Del Taco’s supply chain, people around the country are outraged. Outraged that Del Taco refuses to commit to the BCC, which forces companies to abide by higher standards for these sentient birds. Outraged that Del Taco seemingly condones animal cruelty and abuse—if the price is right.
Consumers around the country are furious that Del Taco allows the torture and abuse of these chickens. It’s time for change. (Kelly Myers, Senior Campaigns Specialist, The Humane League)
If Chipotle, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Qdoba, Starbucks, Burger King, and over 160 other major food companies can commit to the BCC, why can’t Del Taco?
Changemakers showed up on behalf of chickens
In response to this horrific abuse against chickens, THL Changemakers made waves last week as they worked to urge Del Taco to adopt the BCC. From Long Beach to Seattle to Atlanta, our volunteers dedicated their week to passing out leaflets and speaking with Del Taco customers about the violence against animals this restaurant condones. The management at Del Taco is aware of the overwhelming demand for the company to sign the BCC, and it’s only a matter of time before the company understands the value of these tortured birds over company profit.
But the action didn’t stop there. Outside of Del Taco’s California headquarters, a billboard truck patrolled the streets, showcasing the truth behind Del Taco’s chicken. It turned more than a few heads.
When Del Taco’s headquarters were presented with a petition from over 75,000 customers—asking the company to end this horrific abuse—our team was met by several upset employees and immediately turned away. It’s safe to say we ruffled some feathers! But that hasn’t stopped us, or the thousands of customers who refuse to support Del Taco until they do better.
Together, we continue the fight
People around the country are ready to rise up and hold Del Taco accountable for the suffering it funds. It’s up to Del Taco to show their customers what side it stands on: cruelty and torture, or ethical business. Together, we will continue to pressure Del Taco to address the conditions of the chickens it sources until real action is taken and they finally commit to the BCC.
It’s time for Del Taco to prove to its customers that it cares about the lives of these chickens. In 2020, will Del Taco finally make us #ProudAsDel?
Help us continue the fight. Tell Del Taco what it means to be “Proud as Del” by signing our petition.
