CEGA’s mission to improve lives globally is infused into everything we do.
We are committed to an internal food policy that minimizes our own environmental footprint and part in the unethical/inhumane treatment of animals, reflecting the evidence on climate change and the values of a majority of CEGA’s staff. Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis for events held outside the US & Europe.
Policy
- For all CEGA-sponsored events, we restrict meat options to fish and poultry.
- For all CEGA-sponsored events, 50% or more of the main entree order should be vegetarian.
- For all CEGA-sponsored events, 50% or more of the fish/poultry and/or dairy products must have at least one of the following accreditations: Certified Organic,* Free-Range,* Vegetarian-Fed,* Step 3, 4, or 5 of the 5-Step Animal Welfare Rating Program, Animal Welfare Approved, or Certified Humane.
The standards set in this policy are intended to be high enough to reasonably fulfill our environmental and ethical commitments, but low enough so as not to restrict us to the most expensive catering, which will inevitably lead to policy non-compliance. Following this policy may be difficult, but it is feasible.
For example, if sustainable and ethically-sourced fish/poultry products can be found at affordable prices, then ordering 50% fish/poultry seams reasonable; however, if these can only be sourced at a high price, then we may consider offering more vegetarian options to compensate. If following this policy remains a challenge, please direct concerns to the Events Associate who will take them into consideration when periodically examining its feasibility.
* These accreditations are acceptable, but provide limited assurances to the quality of life of the animal, permitting an undefined duration and quality of outdoor access and the use of painful surgical procedures without any pain relief.
