The Humane League Escalates National Campaign Against Ahold Delhaize For Abandoning Cage-Free Commitment
Karen Hirsch
Nearly a decade after making the commitment, Ahold Delhaize has failed to provide a progress report and continues to sell eggs from hens crammed in tiny, filthy cages where they are unable to even fully spread their wings.
As part of its escalating nationwide campaign, The Humane League is increasing pressure on Ahold Delhaize—the parent company of Food Lion, Stop & Shop, Giant Food, and other major grocery chains—for breaking its 2016 promise to go 100% cage-free nationally by 2025. Nearly a decade after making the commitment, Ahold Delhaize has failed to provide a progress report and continues to sell eggs from hens crammed in tiny, filthy cages where they are unable to even fully spread their wings.
The company’s failed promise is also a public health and sustainability issue. According to the USDA, 64% of birds lost to avian flu in 2025 were housed in cages, while only 36% came from cage-free systems. Caging hens increases stress, weakens their immune systems, and creates ideal conditions for zoonotic disease outbreaks. Additionally, the egg industry reports no supply shortage, nearly 70% of producers added cage-free housing in 2024, and most expect continued supply through 2026. Despite this, Ahold Delhaize continues sourcing from cage-based systems while claiming to lead in sustainability.
“Ahold Delhaize can’t claim to be a sustainability leader while ignoring its own animal welfare failures,” said Emily Raap, Sr. Campaigns Lead at The Humane League. “Consumers want—and expect—grocery stores to move forward, not backward. It’s time for Ahold Delhaize to do the right thing and follow through on its cage-free commitment.”
Meanwhile, industry leaders are keeping pace: dozens of global food companies are reporting progress and fulfilling their cage-free goals. Over 36,000 consumers have also signed a petition urging Ahold Delhaize to do the same.
The Humane League’s campaign includes ongoing nationwide protests, a banner targeting Ahold Delhaize that flew overhead during the Boston Marathon, digital outreach, and dozens of direct actions at Ahold Delhaize and franchise headquarters and locations. More are planned in the weeks ahead.
As part of the campaign, The Humane League is calling on newly appointed Food Lion president Greg Finchum to begin his tenure with compassion and transparency. Billboards have already gone up near Ahold and subbrand locations – including one less than 2 miles from the Food Lion Headquarters – with additional ads to go up later this month to target Stop & Shop. Leafleting is also planned at the upcoming Cheerwine Festival in Salisbury on May 17, sponsored by Food Lion, where over 100,000 consumers are expected to attend.
To learn more or to take action, please visit AholdDelhaizeCruelty.com.
