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

Over The Moon Farm and Flowers in Iowa

We are a year after the elections, and there is still a lot of uncertainty in the air. Many farmers have struggled this year between USDA funding cuts, high tariffs, and inflation. It has not been an easy year. The one constant for many of them is that FACT has been there throughout their struggles, with our free webinars, mentorship program, scholarships for conferences, and Fund-a-Farmer grants program. We hear from farmers regularly that they wouldn’t have been able to survive and even scale up their operations without FACT.

We couldn’t provide humane farmers with all of this support without you!

As the holidays near, we invite you to pause and give thanks—for our loved ones, our communities, and the chance to make kind choices that help create a better future. Here are just a couple of our top tips for a humane holiday season. You can find lots more on our Consumer Resources Hub, your go-to for understanding humane farming and making values-driven food choices. 

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

Bull City Farm in North Carolina

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.

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 2nd), join us in our mission to support humane farming and expand access to healthy, humanely produced food. All donations up to $15,250 will be matched thanks to the generous support of our Board members. Make your donation today!