Solving the "egg crisis" means confronting the Factory Farming crisis: Jennifer Molidor on Bird Flu and Sustainable Food Solutions

We reframe the “egg crisis” (high prices and low supply of commercial hen’s eggs in a bird flu outbreak) as a crisis of mass farming of animals, proposing sustainable alternative food solutions that can replace eggs and reduce the spread of zoonotic diseases, pollution, and the killing and harm of millions of wild and domesticated animals. Jennifer and Carrie discuss this in the context of the bird flu outbreak, as avian influenza is spreading and mutating in a variety of animal species (including cows used for dairy and human farm workers) – this infectious pathogen is an increasingly alarming issue for wild animals, farmed animals, and human health. The existence of factory farms keeps viruses circulating, making everyone less safe. We discuss how institutions can help us shift toward safer more humane, plant-based food systems. We end by discussing alternatives to eggs in your baking and cooking.

Dr. Jennifer Molidor, Sr. Food Campaigner at the Center for Biological Diversity is host Carrie Freeman's guest on this 42-minute podcast, recorded in late March 2025.

Jennifer mentioned these resources:

• Take Extinction Off Your Plate https://takeextinctionoffyourplate.com/ 
• Wildlife-Friendly School Food Programs https://takeextinctionoffyourplate.com/school-food-1 

One of Carrie's go-to sites for animal-free recipes, especially baking, is Loving it Vegan https://lovingitvegan.com/ 

If you want to see where America's animal products come from (and who they come from), check out this factory farming website from Farm Sanctuary (an animal rescue organization) that helps us look these individuals in the eyes with compassion and justice: https://www.farmsanctuary.org/issue/factory-farming/

"In Tune to Nature" is a weekly radio show airing Wednesdays at 6pm Eastern Time on 89.3FM-Atlanta radio and streaming worldwide on wrfg.org (Radio Free Georgia, a nonprofit indie station) hosted by me, Carrie Freeman, or Melody Paris. The show's website and action items can be found at https://wrfg.org/in-tune-to-nature/  Please support nonprofit indie media like our Radio Free Georgia station at https://wrfg.org/  Thank you!

Take care of yourself and others, including birds and all other species.

Photo Credit: Compassion Over Killing (now called Animal Outlook) photo of egg laying hens crowded in standard industry cages. 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on In Tune to Nature do not necessarily reflect those of WRFG, its board, staff or volunteers.