How to Celebrate The Holiday Season Humanely with FACT's Resources

Over The Moon Farm and Flowers in Iowa

As a country,  we have been deeply focused on these presidential elections for the past two years. Now that they are over it seems we are headed into a period of uncertainty, which can lead to stress. No matter what policies the new administration pursues you can be sure that FACT will continue to work for independent, humane farmers everywhere, and that we will work to make sure that the meat, dairy, and poultry you eat is safe and healthy for you. Now is a good time to think about the holidays ahead, and be grateful for what we have, for our families and loved ones.

In our blog post today we are excited to share our top tips for a humane holiday feast as well as some new resources to help consumers make informed, compassionate choices. Each choice you make can contribute to a more humane and sustainable food system. Here’s how:

1. Go Local with Pasture-Raised Turkeys

Nothing beats the flavor and quality of a pasture-raised turkey from a local humane farm. To make it easy to find one near you, FACT has a Pasture-Raised Turkey Directory! Organized by state, this resource connects you to farms raising turkeys in more natural, spacious environments. For more on the benefits of choosing pasture-raised for your holiday bird, check out our blog post.

2. Consider the Alternatives

Jodar Farms in Colorado

If you’re having trouble finding a turkey this year, or you’re looking for something different, consider a humanely-raised roast chicken or beef, or even a hearty non-meat dish like stuffed pumpkin. Each option brings the chance to celebrate the holiday with compassion for animals.

3. Avoid Misleading Labels

Many terms like “cage-free” or “natural” sound promising but don’t always mean better animal welfare. Our Label Guide helps you identify labels that truly reflect humane standards. Knowing which claims are meaningful ensures you’re supporting animal-friendly products.

4. Check Your Dairy

Dairy products are holiday staples, from mashed potatoes to pumpkin pie. Grass-fed dairy not only supports more humane treatment but also contains higher levels of beneficial nutrients. Learn more about the benefits of grass-fed dairy here.

5. Make the Most of Your Leftovers

If your holiday turkey is larger than expected, put the leftovers to good use! Transform extra meat into delicious turkey soup or sandwiches. Not only does this reduce waste, but it extends the enjoyment of your Thanksgiving feast.

Bull City Farm in North Carolina

6. Freeze or Compost

Freezing leftovers or composting vegetable scraps helps prevent waste and supports the environment. Consider composting any fruit and veggie scraps if you can; it's a sustainable choice that goes beyond the holiday season.

7. Share the Gift of Humane Farming This Giving Season

On #GivingTuesday (December 3rd), join us in our mission to support humane farming and expand access to healthy, humanely-produced food. Help by sharing our resources on social media or making a donation to FACT. Stay tuned for more info!

Discover Our New Consumer Resources!

This year we have been thrilled to introduce our FACT Consumer Resources Hub—a new, one-stop resource for all things humane food. From finding trustworthy product labels to understanding the environmental benefits of humane farming, our resources empower you to make choices that align with your values. Explore our consumer resources and join us in making a difference, one meal at a time.