People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals urged the White House to replace the chicken eggs used at its annual Easter Egg Roll with potatoes, arguing the use of eggs promotes “slaughter industries.”
In a letter released Tuesday to first lady Jill Biden, PETA said a “potato roll” would “encourage empathy and kindness to animals while supporting potato farmers in the U.S.”
“Instead of promoting the deleterious factory farming and slaughter industries, will you please initiate the annual White House Potato Roll?” wrote PETA President Ingrid Newkirk.
Ms. Newkirk wrote that potatoes can be safely dyed, decorated and rolled, adding that their use could spark other fun activities such as a game of hot potato or potato sack races.
The letter also listed the avian flu outbreak in 2022 and soaring egg prices as among the reasons Ms. Biden should “leave a legacy of kindness” by hosting a potato roll.
Last year, the American Egg Board donated 30,000 eggs for the White House Easter Egg Roll and matched that with another 30,000 for food banks in Washington.
PETA previously called on the White House to stop using eggs in the annual event, which dates back to the 1870s. In 2023, the group called on Ms. Biden to use plastic eggs, painted rocks, or egg-shaped balls for the Easter Egg Roll.
• Jeff Mordock can be reached at jmordock@washingtontimes.com.
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