HHS' Pledge to Responsible Animal Welfare

HHS is committed to responsible animal welfare practices. We educate and advocate against animal mistreatment, encompassing their upbringing, care, transportation, and processing. We hold our suppliers to the highest standards, expecting them to integrate stringent animal welfare protocols and actively demonstrate adherence to industry benchmarks and regulations governing animal welfare.

HHS Policy Commitments

Our commitment to animal welfare is evident through concrete actions:

• In 2016, we abolished the use of veal across all operations due to its association with unethical treatment of animals.
• In 2017, we ceased sourcing unsustainably raised seafood and transitioned to procuring 100% cage-free eggs (liquid, shelled, ingredient) sourced from domestic suppliers.
• In 2022, we phased out the use of gestational crate pork bacon and prioritized the procurement of antibiotic-free and hormone-free meats.

Global Animal Partnership

We align ourselves with the principles outlined in The 5-Step Animal Welfare Rating Program developed by the Global Animal Partnership (GAP) and expect our suppliers to uphold these standards. These steps serve as a benchmark for creating environments that prioritize the well-being of animals. We aim to progressively increase the percentage of our animal products sourced from higher welfare tiers. 

We actively endorse the Global Animal Partnership's multi-tiered animal welfare standards, utilizing them as a framework to educate our team members, clients, and consumers on current and emerging animal welfare concerns.

Plant-Forward Initiatives

HHS partnered with The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) to promote a plant-based, sustainable menu program in all of our locations and aims to move our retail menus to 33% vegetarian/plant-based and reduce the total amount of animal proteins purchased by 10% by the end of 2024. 

In addition to our ongoing efforts to promote plant-based, sustainable menu options, HHS is committed to further enhancing our impact by setting ambitious targets:

• We aim to increase plant-based meals to represent 50% of our menu offerings by the year 2027.
• Concurrently, we pledge to reduce our total expenditure on animal-derived ingredients by 25% by 2030.

To achieve these goals, we have established a clear roadmap:

This chart outlines the annual progression towards increasing the percentage of plant-based meals as part of our menu goals.

In 2023, HHS received an A+ and ranked second on the HSUS Protein Sustainability Scorecard for our efforts in offering climate-friendly, plant-based food in our retail operations.

Better Chicken Commitment

HHS is actively working to source chickens raised according to the Better Chicken Commitment (BCC) standards throughout our supply chain. This commitment includes collaborating with suppliers to implement BCC practices and transition to pre-shackle, controlled-atmosphere processing, eliminating live-dumping and live-shackling. While market availability and progress may impact specific timelines, we remain committed to transparency and ongoing efforts toward achieving these industry-wide improvements in chicken welfare, including:

• Reducing maximum stocking density to equal to or less than 30 kg/m2 or 6 lbs./sq. ft.
• Providing chickens with enriched environments, including hay bales, perches, litter, and lighting.

• In 2023, 67% of poultry met the friable litter for indoor flooring requirement, and 23% met the functional enrichment requirement.

• Rendering chicken’s unconscious prior to shackling using Controlled or Low Atmosphere Stunning.  
• Breeds that demonstrate higher welfare outcomes.

It is our goal to issue a roadmap that addresses our plan for implementing meaningful progress in more detail by the end of 2024. We are joining the cross-industry “Working Group for Broiler Welfare” to work with others committed to higher welfare sourcing. Additionally, the company will provide updates annually highlighting progress, insights, and challenges until the commitment is reached.

Sustainable Seafood

We exclusively buy sustainable seafood certified by the Monterey Bay Seafood Program, adhering to their guidelines to combat harmful fishing and farming methods. Our commitment ensures eco-certified, top-quality seafood, following Seafood Watch recommendations to prioritize "Best Choice" (Green) and "Good Alternative" (Yellow) rated options from sustainable sources.

Our Commitment

To continuously strengthen our animal welfare commitment, HHS actively engages with suppliers to ensure they understand and comply with high welfare standards. We also provide ongoing education to customers and team members while offering resources and guidance to our sourcing partners. Our animal welfare position is firmly integrated into all contracts, proposals, and RFPs, and we encourage transparency by referencing suppliers' own animal rights policies. In unforeseen cases of animal abuse, swift and decisive action is expected from our partners.