Springfield is nestled in SW Missouri surrounded by an abundance of farms. With this location, restaurants have the ability to partner with local farmers that treat their animals humanely. While cage-free and free-range are still better alternatives to caged hens, these animals only receive 1 and 2 square feet per hen to "roam" in. Most hens in this situation rarely see sunlight. Chickens must have at least 108 square feet to be considered pasture-raised. Springfield restaurants should seek eggs from farms that they know treat their animals humanely or procure eggs with a Certified Humane®” pasture seal as they meet standards and have inspectors auditing to ensure that these hens are allowed to roam freely on the pasture during daylight hours. 

Aside from treating animals humanely, there are many benefits to pasture-raised eggs; they contain less cholesterol, less saturated fats, and more vitamins. Restaurants will benefit from this as they will be serving tastier and healthier eggs. Treating animals better, supporting local farmers, and having better quality food will only enhance restaurant's efforts to build a better community.