Our selection of meat and poultry is renowned for great taste and superior quality. We believe this has a lot to do with the care that goes into raising the animals and the true partnerships we develop with the farmers and ranchers that supply our stores. Farmers and ranchers dedicated to meeting our animal welfare standards.
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The Official Whole Foods Market® Blog
May 25, 2013
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May 21, 2013
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Our selection of meat and poultry is renowned for great taste and superior quality. We believe this has a lot to do with the care that goes into raising the animals and the true partnerships we develop with the farmers and ranchers that supply our stores.
May 19, 2013
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Memorial Day kicks off grilling season and for many people, meat’s on the menu. We believe that the best meat comes from animals raised as nature intended – with plenty of room to move and things to do, in environments where they can be clean and safe.
In the spirit of enjoying meat from animals raised with respect I asked Anne Malleau, Whole Foods Market’s global animal production and welfare coordinator to point out how five of Whole Foods Market’s suppliers put the animals first.
May 13, 2013
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When you visit our meat counters, you get quality meats that meet our strict animal welfare standards. This dedication to animal welfare at farms and ranches and the level of transparency in our stores help you make informed choices about the meat you eat.
April 29, 2013
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I’ll never forget the first time I pulled a whole roasted chicken from the oven. Juicy and golden, it was a beautiful sight. I almost didn’t want to eat it (but I’m glad I did)!
Whole chickens are one of the most popular items at the meat counter, and options span free-range to organic to pasture-raised and more. So what makes pasture-raised different?
Pasture Makes Perfect
April 23, 2013
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I’ve long had an appreciation for smoked meats — sausage, brisket, ribs, etc. — but only recently did I decide to step up to the smoker and try my hand at this cooking method.
April 14, 2013
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Three years ago, while attending a National Cattleman’s Beef Association trade show, I learned about a new generation of growth promotants for beef cattle. The discussions left me feeling concerned as the conversations were all focused on red meat yield per animal. While I wasn’t very familiar with the term beta agonist (which is a type of growth promotant), the mechanism that was being discussed reminded me of performance enhancement drugs commonly used by athletes.
March 12, 2013
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We embrace the lean, adaptable slab of brisket as a springtime favorite, but look to it year-round to inexpensively feed a crowd. You can go several ways with brisket – slow-cooked pot roast-style with root vegetables, smoked and slathered with barbecue sauce (burnt ends please!), blanketed in lemon slices and simply roasted. You really can’t go wrong with this versatile cut, but we here to make sure things go very right.
March 11, 2013
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At Whole Foods Market®, we’ve got Kosher cooking basics from salt to olive oil and holiday essentials from gefilte fish to grape juice. You’ll also find less traditional but no less important Kosher finds too.
February 28, 2013
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Though deli meat ham is a lunchtime treat in its own right, nothing beats a beautifully lacquered, whole baked ham – except maybe the next day’s leftovers.
February 13, 2013
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The marriage of meat and seafood is a match made in heaven. Whether you want to highlight one or both on your plate, our meat and seafood departments have the best ingredients you need to make a spectacular dinner for your sweetheart.
January 20, 2013
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I handle PR for Whole Foods Market®’s Meat Department, and last Thanksgiving I gained a profound appreciation for what it takes to get turkey on the table.
December 27, 2012
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Looking for the lighter side of the meat counter? Try these tasty options for the new year.
December 13, 2012
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“Help!” It’s a popular phrase this time of year, especially when holiday meal plans are in their final stages. In the era of pop-up timers and guidelines aplenty beamed right to your palm, turkeys are easier to cook than ever these days.
November 29, 2012
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If you’re looking for a Hanukkah feast, Whole Foods Market® has your meat needs covered.
Turkey
November 2, 2012
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Just in time for Thanksgiving, all of our turkey producers have now been certified to Global Animal Partnership’s 5-Step Animal Welfare Rating Program.
October 20, 2012
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Did you ever hear the joke about the roast? One day a girl was watching her mom make a beef roast. Mom cut off the ends, wrapped it in string, seasoned it and set it in the roasting pan.
October 4, 2012
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There’s a (ever so slight) chill in the air and the pumpkins are out in front of our stores, which means one thing: fall has arrived! With the change in seasons, have you considered trying something different when you shop in our meat department? Why not break out of the tradition of buying chicken or turkey this season and consider cooking goose, pheasant or quail.
September 20, 2012
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At Oktoberfest in Munich, they generally serve more than ten million pints of beer and close to a million sausages. Of course, they have a reputation to uphold as the birthplace of Oktoberfest back in 1810, celebrating the wedding of Crown Prince Luitpold I and Princess Theressa of Bavaria. It strikes me a little odd that we are still celebrating that union today. But, of course, it may be that we are really celebrating the perfect union of wurst (sausage) and brew (beer) instead!
September 18, 2012
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Our butchers are a cut above the rest, and we just crowned the king.
September 7, 2012
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Pasture-raised, naturally flavorful ground grass-fed beef is on sale for $4.99 today only! Make sure you stop by our US stores today to stock up or grab some for weekend grilling.
September 6, 2012
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While organic produce, and even organic dairy, often gets the glory, I thought it would be good to talk about what makes organic meat and poultry organic.
August 29, 2012
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Whether you’re new to cooking grass-fed beef or you’re a “seasoned” cook, pick up some ground grass-fed beef for $4.99 per pound during our one day sale on Friday, September 7!
August 16, 2012
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Chicken is one of the most versatile meats out there so it always has a place on my weekly menu plan. Of course, I have my favorite chicken recipes, but I also get tired of the same dish week after week.
August 9, 2012
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One of the most iconic features of pigs is their curly tails. In fact, they even wag their tails when they are happy or excited. What you may not realize is there aren’t many pigs running around with tails these days.
Sadly, the majority of today’s pigs have their tails removed when they are just a few days to a few weeks old. Farmers call this tail docking or clipping. The reason? Tail biting. Some pigs repeatedly chew and bite the tails of other pigs, which can lead to painful injuries. The reasons for this tail-biting behavior are complex and there are many contributing factors, but it’s commonly found in pigs housed indoors where stocking densities are high and the pens are barren.
July 25, 2012
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From bacon grease as a combo styling gel and cologne to bacon cupcakes, we’re celebrating all things bacon by holding an online contest on Facebook to find the next big bacon idea.
July 17, 2012
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When you put quality standards at the center of the plate, 365 Everyday Value® Uncured Center Cut Smokehouse Bacon smokes the competition.
July 16, 2012
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Their talent is rare; their job is well done. For the last few months, butchers from our stores across the nation have competed to see who will make the cut and become Whole Foods Market’s 2nd annual Best Butcher.
July 12, 2012
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Ever wondered what it takes to raise pastured poultry? It’s not quite as simple as opening the barn doors and letting the birds roam free!
June 29, 2012
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June 28, 2012
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June 25, 2012
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Have you heard the news reports about consumers’ concern with antibiotics in the US meat supply? At Whole Foods Market: No antibiotics, EVER is our standard.
June 14, 2012
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To curb stress our pig, chicken and cattle are raised to meet Global Animal Partnership's 5-Step™ Animal Welfare Rating Program, which mandates strict transport standards.
June 7, 2012
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Nestled on the coast of central California next to the famous Hearst Castle, Hearst Ranch combines pristine grassland and true cowboy heritage to raise premium quality all-natural, grass-fed beef. Look for their beef in the meat departments of some of our Southern California stores this summer (see below for details) and take a look at Stephen Hearst’s tips for grilling grass-fed beef.
May 31, 2012
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With fewer calories, a lower fat content yet more protein than beef, bison (buffalo) can be a good choice for the health conscious meat eater.
May 18, 2012
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Take care of your burger fix (and fixings) when you pick up freshly ground, ready-to-grill burger patties for $1 each. Our sale is one day only, so make sure you stop by today!
May 17, 2012
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We care as much about the meat that goes on your grill as what goes on ours. Beau, one of our meat guys, walks you through some great picks for grilling.
May 14, 2012
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Freshly ground, ready-to-grill hamburger patties are on sale this Friday for $1 each for our “Buck a Burger” sale.
April 29, 2012
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Share your best-dressed burger in the comments below and you could win a $50 Whole Foods Market® gift card.
April 19, 2012
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Niman Ranch and Whole Foods Market® have been working together for almost 15 years and we’ve developed a great partnership.
April 5, 2012
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A beautiful ham is the centerpiece of many Easter tables. But do you know the origin of the tradition?
March 28, 2012
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Update your holiday favorite with a bit of a twist or a complete 180° and make this meal one to remember. Start a new tradition with our favorite Easter entrées.
March 25, 2012
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Whether you’re on your 40th brisket or your first, why not impress your guests with your fork-tender signature flavor style? Here are some suggestions.
March 22, 2012
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We’ve prohibited the use of gestation and farrowing crates by all of our pork suppliers since 2003. Find out what that means and learn more about the program.
March 7, 2012
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March 17th is the perfect time to serve traditional corned beef. Ours come from beef raised without the use of antibiotics or added hormones. Learn more.
March 4, 2012
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Have you heard? Thompson Farms has achieved a 5+ rating through the Global Animal Partnership’s 5-Step™ Animal Welfare Rating System!
February 17, 2012
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Oh the poultry possibilities…remember to stop by our stores to pick up fresh, ready-to-cook organic whole chickens on sale for $1.99 per pound today only!
February 14, 2012
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In addition to meeting the USDA Organic Standards, we work closely with our chicken producers to ensure the birds are certified to the Global Animal Partnership’s 5-Step Animal Welfare Rating Program.
January 28, 2012
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Meat can be an easy and healthful solution for weekday dinners when served with veggies and whole grains.
January 6, 2012
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Beef roasts are on sale all weekend for $3.49 per pound — look for the sale signs on selected roast cuts in our meat department.
January 2, 2012
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Perfect for hearty winter meals, beef roasts are on sale this Friday, Saturday and Sunday for $3.49 per pound — look for the sale signs on selected roast cuts in our meat department.
December 10, 2011
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Add a Dickensian flair to your Christmas dinner with Mary’s Free Range Geese from Pitman Family Farms. These hardy, slow growing geese provide a light, succulent flavor.
December 1, 2011
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From a show-stopping prime rib to a fabulous one-dish pot roast meal, here’s the scoop on how to get the most from a roast, along with our favorite recipes.
November 29, 2011
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Ham is a great choice for the holidays because it's so easy to prepare and provides delicious leftovers for days. Learn how our hams are from pigs raised to meet our high standards.
November 20, 2011
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Carving the Thanksgiving turkey can be a downright daunting endeavor. But with our step-by-step illustrated instructions and Chef Hosea's how-to video below, you’ll soon be carving with confidence.
November 11, 2011
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Whole chickens are on sale today for $1.29 per pound! Make sure you stop in today to catch this deal.
November 8, 2011
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Whether you want to cook a smaller holiday meal, add a 2nd main entrée or serve up a turkey-free event, these recipes take you beyond the bird for Thanksgiving.
November 7, 2011
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Whole and full of possibilities, get up early with the roosters on Friday, November 11th to pick up your $1.29 per pound whole chicken!
October 20, 2011
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Family-owned MacFarlane Pheasants has been a leader in pheasant production in 1929. Introduce a new tradition to your holiday table with pheasant this fall.
October 13, 2011
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In Iceland, lambs are free to roam as they please on the wild, untamed mountainsides. Learn more about what makes them unique —available only in our stores and only in October and November.
October 6, 2011
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Olliviero Colmignoli, moved from Italy to Virginia with the intention of producing high quality, authentic prosciutto and Salumi products right here in the states. You can taste his success!
September 22, 2011
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With a team of elite Sausage Meisters in every store, we’ve developed over 40 different custom-made sausages that are made in-house daily! Find out more and get some recipes.
September 8, 2011
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Pork buyer Randal explains how our bacon is cured with naturally occurring salts (not synthetic sodium nitrates/nitrites). Learn how all bacon is not the same!
September 2, 2011
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All of our U.S. stores celebrating Labor Day by offering ground grass-fed beef at a sale price of just $4.99 per pound. Today, September 3rd only! 10 pound limit.
August 29, 2011
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Just $4.99 per pound this Friday, September 2nd, only. Meet some of our rancher partners and learn how they raise their grass-fed beef cattle.
August 12, 2011
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Our stores are featuring organic chicken and heirloom tomatoes right now. Learn about some delicious meals that result when you pair them together.
August 4, 2011
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Raising organic chicken is no simple undertaking. Learn what’s involved and how our organic chicken suppliers raise their birds.
July 18, 2011
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Our master butchers from coast to coast converge in New York City to vie for the title of “Best Butcher.
July 12, 2011
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Steve Whitmire's family has been farming in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina since the early 1800's. As a kid, Steve's chore was to look after the lone family cow. Today Steve oversees a much larger herd of Angus/Braunvieh cattle on 1,000+ acres in Brasstown, North Carolina, ensuring they always have sufficient spring water, ample grass, freshly mixed feed and room to roam.
July 8, 2011
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With a low interest loan from our Local Producer Loan Program, the father and son team at Thompson Farms are working to increase their Animal Welfare Rating to the highest level possible.
July 7, 2011
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Miyun Park, Executive Director of Global Animal Partnerships, shares how their 5-Step Animal Welfare Standards are improving the lives of farm animals.
June 25, 2011
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Grilling poultry can be tricky business. June 17, 2011
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Learn how our team members got up to speed on the 5-Step Animal Welfare Standards Rating Program so they can reinforce that the more you know about our meat, the better.
June 8, 2011
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Fire up the grill and get those tender veal chops and juicy veal burgers cooking! During the month of June, our U.S. stores will have veal on special.
June 7, 2011
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Exploring lesser-known cuts of beef can be a rewarding culinary adventure — one that saves you a few bucks, too. Try these recipe ideas for uncommon cuts with uncommonly good results.
June 5, 2011
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Summer’s here and it’s time to cook some meat over an open flame! Check out these refresher tips for grilling and get recipe ideas to kick-start the season.
June 2, 2011
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These third-party certifiers are the boots on the ground for assessing the animals, checking records and talking with farmers to ensure compliance with the 5-Step Animal Welfare Rating Standards.
May 27, 2011
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If you love food on a stick (and we know you do) swing by your local store today, Friday, May 27, for our Chicken Kabob One-Day Sale! Just 3.99/lb.
May 26, 2011
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Summer’s best burgers are here! Make your own or stop by our meat counter to check out our selection of grill-ready burgers.
May 24, 2011
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If you love food on a stick (and we know you do) swing by your local store this Friday for our Chicken Kabob One-Day Sale! Just 3.99/lb.
May 23, 2011
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Whether you choose pork, beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, seafood or vegetarian options, celebrate sausage in all its diversity with these memorable crowd-pleasing recipes.
May 20, 2011
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Learn how our meat producers work to enhance the living conditions for animals on their farms, which increases their 5-Step Animal Welfare Rating.
May 4, 2011
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Learn how Jason Jones, owner of Vital Farms, partnered with us to expand his egg business into providing the best quality pastured chicken raised to the highest animal welfare standards.
April 27, 2011
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Joe at Pozzi Ranch Lamb talks about raising lamb on pastures, protecting natural resources and supporting family farms. Learn more and find out where Pozzi Lamb is locally available.
April 19, 2011
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Lori at Strauss Free Raised® talks about their passion for pastured calves and how Whole Foods Market has helped them do things differently.
April 13, 2011
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Erick Jensen, President of Pineland Farms Natural Beef based in Maine, describes what it’s like to work with the Whole Foods Market Meat Team.
April 6, 2011
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Mack Graves, CEO of Panorama, shares candid thoughts on the relationship between this supplier of local, organic, 100% grass-fed, Step 5 (pasture centered) beef and Whole Foods Market
March 30, 2011
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To provide the highest quality, local and organic meat choices, we visit producers to see first-hand their passion for how they raise their animals. Learn more about these real relationships.
March 4, 2011
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Learn about the 5-Step™ Animal Welfare Rating Standards for beef cattle. The higher the Step, the more time the animals spend on range or pasture and the more natural their life.
February 23, 2011
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Learn about the 5-Step™ Animal Welfare Rating Standards for pigs. The higher the Step, the more interesting their environment and the more natural their life.
February 18, 2011
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February 15, 2011
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Learn about the 5-Step™ Animal Welfare Rating Standards for chickens. The higher the Step, the more interesting their environment, the more time the animals spend outside, and the more natural their life.
February 13, 2011
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This Friday only, February 18th, you can buy Organic Whole Chickens for just $1.69 per pound. That’s quite a deal.
February 10, 2011
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The more you know about our meat, the better. That’s just the bottom line around here. Our standards require no added hormones* and no antibiotics, ever. Our true partnerships with farmers and ranchers allow us to offer the highest quality, local and organic choices. And with leading animal welfare standards we’re encouraging a human approach to raising animals.
February 2, 2011
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We’re providing shoppers a new level of transparency about how farm animals are raised by offering beef, pork and chicken certified under the 5-Step Animal Welfare Rating™.
January 25, 2011
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Few things are more comforting than a warm and hearty lamb stew on cold winter nights!
January 15, 2011
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Chickens processed by the air-chilling method are juicy, tender and full of natural flavor. Learn more about this interesting process and look for the air-chilled chicken in all of our stores.