Georgians for Pastured Poultry (GPP) applauds the success of the first annual Pastured Poultry Week, where over 30 restaurants served pastured poultry on the menu for the entire week.
In addition to Bantam & Biddy, Farm 255 and Whole Foods Market (South Region), who had already committed to having pastured poultry available year round, GPP is delighted to report that Miller Union and 5 Seasons Brewing have now joined this pioneering group. Several other restaurants made commitments to look at solutions and work toward having more pastured poultry options on the menu. In addition, chef demonstrations in farmers markets, Whole Foods Market and the Atlanta Botanical Gardens gave hundreds of people the opportunity to learn more about the virtues of pastured poultry.
“We are committed to offering pastured poultry on our menu not just for Pastured Poultry Week, but every day,” said Steven Satterfield, Miller Union executive chef and co-owner. “We made this choice not only because pastured poultry has a great flavor, but the product is better for the environment, the welfare of the animals and the health of our guests.”
David Larkworthy, executive chef and co-owner of 5 Seasons Brewery said, “We are proud to feature Georgia pastured poultry at all three locations. We support it because it is better for the animals, the farms, the state, our community, our guests and ourselves. Pastured poultry and eggs taste better, have much more nutritive value, have less saturated fat and cholesterol – not to mention that they go great with handcrafted beer!”
Based on a survey conducted after the week, chefs’ reasons for supporting pastured poultry included it being better for animal welfare, the environment and human health, its superior taste, and wanting to support local farmers. Chefs reported that they intended to participate in Pastured Poultry Week 2013. Most also reported that they would be featuring pastured poultry on the menu more regularly following Pastured Poultry Week 2012.
Restaurants sourced from farmers across Georgia including White Oak Pastures Darby Farms, Heritage Farms and Grass Roots Farms. Sales of birds from the largest farm, White Oak Pastures, were reported to have doubled, while other farmers reported to have either had an increase in sales or exposure.
The week was organized by the alliance, committed to making Georgia the number one producer and consumer of higher welfare chicken in the country. The alliance includes lead members Compassion in World Farming, Georgia Organics, GreenLaw, and Sierra Club.
“We are thrilled by the commitment from these chefs.” said Leah Garces, USA Director for Compassion in World Farming. “Pastured Poultry Week has shown us that pastured poultry, like grassfed beef, is the next big food trend. We are moving away from bland tasting, inhumanely raised factory farmed chicken. These restaurants are staying on top of a growing consumer demand where animal welfare and the environment matter. We hope others will follow their lead.”
