Plymouth State goes with cage-free eggs

Plymouth State University has joined several other New Hampshire schools in serving cage-free eggs in its dining halls.

“It’s important that PSU’s purchasing policies reflect our commitment to sustainability and the local community. Our switch to cage-free eggs is consistent with this commitment and our values,” said Chris Mongeon, general manager of dining services for PSU.

Mongeon said students had been asking the university to be more “socially conscious” about its eggs for some time.

“We found a local source in Pete & Gerry’s Organic Eggs in Monroe, and the decision worked well for us,” he said.

While the school will see an increased cost, “it’s not huge,” said Mongeon.

The university uses about 450 cases of shell eggs annually.

“PSU’s switch away from battery cage eggs is a good move that helps improve animal welfare and furthers the university’s commitment to social responsibility,” said Paul Shapiro, Factory Farming Campaign director for the Humane Society of United States in Washington, D.C. “The HSUS encourages other schools to follow PSU’s positive example.”

The University of New Hampshire in Durham, Dartmouth College in Hanover, Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter and New Hampton School in New Hampton began using cage-free eggs last year. — CINDY KIBBE