As a Texas resident, I see 7-Elevens everywhere. 7-Eleven is headquartered in Texas, and there are more than 1,400 stores in the state. 7-Eleven prides itself on being a quick stop for anything its customers might want- whether that is a Big Gulp, a snack, or gas. But what consumers like me really want is different- it is for companies to follow through on the promises they make to their consumers. And 7-Eleven is letting me down.

Recently, I was excited to learn that 7-Eleven had joined hundreds of other companies in answering the call for better treatment of animals they use for food in their stores. This commitment was made years ago. Decision-makers at 7-Eleven agreed to a policy for US and Canada stores to report progress on their goal of eventually using 100% cage-free eggs. I’m a big animal lover, and knowing that a global brand headquartered in my home state had done this was monumental to me! This decision from a brand with over 9,500 stores just in the US was a huge deal, because it signaled that the feedback from their consumers and the lives of the chickens they use (ones who would otherwise suffer in tiny wire cages, doomed to a life of misery, frustration, injury, and the imminent possibility of death) are important. It showed me that we could expect drastic and necessary improvements to the way these beautiful animals are raised! However, it seems that customer satisfaction isn’t as important as they would have us believe, behind closed doors. The policy was completely taken off the website, as if it never happened at all. I am beyond disappointed.

Just like humans need sunlight for their psychological and physical well-being, so do animals. Sunlight, for example, helps chickens with their circadian rhythm and vitamin D production, so they can lay eggs promptly. Vitamin D deficiency can cause many health problems including brittle bones, soft beaks and nails, and soft eggs. These animals deserve some happiness in their unnaturally short lives by being cage-free.

I’m asking for other 7-Eleven shoppers like me, and those who care about the well-being of animals, to #TakeItToEleven and ask that 7-Eleven follow through with what they started. In the words of Joe C. Thompson Jr., Founder of 7-Eleven, the chain exists to “Give the customers what they want, when and where they want it.” So let’s tell them exactly what that is, through this petition.

What do we want? For 7-Eleven to republish and report progress on its 100% cage-free policy.

When do we want it? Now.

Where do we want it? Published on the company website, so consumers like us can trust that the brands we support and trust, are worthy of all that we give them.

Header photo credit: Image by tawatchai07 on Freepik