Little finds...

So, like you I'm out there working really hard to make a living and when I have time to grocery shop, it is not something that I want to take all day.  I live in a small town outside of Phoenix, AZ and my grocery options are pretty slim.  We have a Wal-Mart, a Fry's (owned by Kroger) and a small independent grocer who excels in Mexican food items and ingredients, but, that's about it.  So I am always impressed when I can find a brand that is ethical, not factory farmed and available at a major chain.  I know we have all heard the term "Free Range" but, what does that mean? Conventional egg-production agriculture (also known as confined animal feeding operation or CAFO) raises hens indoors, in cages.  In this scenario animal welfare, environmental damage, and nutritional impacts are all factors we should all be considering. In addition, egg-laying hens confined to cages do not have space to move. They become fearful and prone to skeletal problems. Large numbers of animals confined in small spaces also pollute the air, water and soil with the huge amounts of manure they produce in such a small space. This can also increase the spread bacteria and salmonella (http://news.discovery.com/human/health/egg-salmonella-bacteria.htm) into our food/supply chain. According to USDA regulations, free-range, egg-producing hens must be given access to the outdoors. Unfortunately, many large commercial egg producers get away with giving their hens access to a tiny, covered outdoor area. True free-range eggs are from hens that range freely outdoors on a pasture where they can forage for their natural diet, which includes seeds, green plants, insects, and worms. Most often, you will find these eggs at a local farm or farmers market.
 Although, free range may only mean a few minutes outdoors to some companies and then back into an overcrowded barn for the remainder of the day, this company seems to be different. The hens do have a pasture and space to move freely.  If you haven't used farm fresh eggs or truly cage free eggs in the past, you will be surprised at the quality, the thickness of the shell, the color of the yolk and the taste! It really does make a huge difference.
 You can check out their website at http://nestfresh.com/default.aspx. I must admit, I also buy eggs from my local small farms, but, when you are in a hurry this is just the ticket!

my purchase.

 

I have said before that this is all new to me and it is a journey.  I am not vegan and don't know if I plan on becoming vegan, ever.  I just know that I want to make a difference.  I want healthy food options that do not involve excessive cruelty.  So yes, I still eat eggs, but that being said I am happy to find new and better options out there.  Why not support the farmers who are trying to do it right?!