Emily Raap
When corporations break promises to animals, it’s often their own community members who hold them accountable. One Quincy native is leading the charge to ensure Stop & Shop honors its commitment to hens.
For generations, Stop & Shop has been more than just a grocery store in Massachusetts—it’s been a cornerstone of local communities. But now, residents are speaking up about the company’s failure to honor its commitment to animals.
In a compelling article, Quincy native Ann Marie Price voices the disappointment felt by many community members. Stop & Shop, headquartered in her hometown, had promised to transition to 100% cage-free eggs by 2025. That deadline has now passed, yet the company continues to sell eggs from hens confined in cruel battery cages.
“When Stop & Shop fails to uphold ethical commitments, it lets down the very community that has supported it for generations,” Price writes, echoing the sentiments of countless customers who expected better from their neighborhood grocer.
The reality facing hens in Stop & Shop’s supply chain is stark. These sensitive, intelligent birds remain trapped in cages so small they cannot even spread their wings. Unable to nest or engage in natural behaviors, they endure both physical and psychological suffering—all while the company delays action on its promised reforms.
This isn’t just about corporate accountability; it’s about community values. Massachusetts residents have long stood at the forefront of progress for animals, becoming the first state to ban extreme confinement of farm animals through a citizen-led ballot initiative. Stop & Shop’s inaction stands in sharp contrast to these forward-thinking values.
But there’s still time for change. As more community members add their voices to this cause, Stop & Shop faces mounting pressure to align its practices with its promises. The company, and its executives, can choose to be a leader in its industry by following through on its commitment to eliminate cruel cages from its supply chain.
In March, this community frustration became visible action as local advocates gathered outside Stop & Shop’s headquarters in Quincy. Demonstrators urged the company to fulfill its cage-free commitment, carrying signs that reminded executives of their overdue promise to hens. This peaceful protest highlighted how deeply Massachusetts residents care about keeping corporations accountable to their animal welfare commitments.
You can join your neighbors in calling for change. Visit StopAndShopShame.com to sign the petition and make your voice heard. Together, we can ensure that our local businesses honor their promises to animals and reflect the compassionate values of our communities.
When we speak up together, companies listen. It’s time for Stop & Shop’s leaders to do what’s right—for the animals, for its customers, and for the communities it serves.
