There is a ton of information on the web about organic products, grass-fed beef vs grain fed, having too many hormones and antibiotics in meat and dairy, and buying chickens that have been raised “cage-free.” But what does all that mean and why is it important? It should always be important to know and understand what you are feeding your body, especially when you have kids. But how do you know what is really “good?”
There are some pretty shady foods and labels out there, so make sure you are doing your research. Even then, don’t be fooled by fancy words and claims. Words like Organic, humanely raised, natural, cage free, free range, hormone free, antibiotic free and vegetarian fed, are thrown around all over the place. But in reality, they do not mean much. Learn more about other tricky claims on food packages in the ASPCA’s label guide.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®(ASPCA®) was the first humane society to be established in North America and is, today, one of the largest in the world and remains a non-profit organization to this day.
Over the last few decades, corporatized, industrialized agriculture has largely replaced America’s independent small farms—with catastrophic consequences for animals. While there is no strict definition, industrialized “factory farms” are characterized by extreme confinement of large numbers of animals with practices designed to maximize efficiency and profit, and little regard for animals’ well-being, sentience or natural behaviors. Factory farms often use animals bred to produce unnatural amounts of eggs, milk or meat, causing painful disorders and lameness.
The Good Groceries Guide has a plethora of information about how our shopping habits impact the lives of those around us – animals included.
The ASPCA is hoping to raise awareness about the plight of factory farms in order to inspire the public to demand healthier, more humane conditions. Shopping with your heart means using your purchasing power to improve farm animals’ lives by rejecting factory-farmed meat, eggs, and dairy. Opt for plant-based alternatives or animal products bearing meaningful animal welfare certifications: (Certified Humane, Animal Welfare Approved and Global Animal Partnership Steps 2 and above.)
Get your FREE toolkit to start on your way to more humane and healthy shopping! With every purchase, we have the power to reduce farm animal suffering. Take a stand and #ShopWithYourHeart!
And don’t forget to enter to win some fun items from the ASPCA!
