Caring for Farm Animals
We have a responsibility to ensure that animals are treated with respect and care in the process of providing nutritious food that is served in our restaurants. Our Animal Welfare Policy defines Darden’s position and outlines our approach and commitments to animal welfare. You can learn more about our efforts from our 2026 Impact Report.
Our Animal Welfare Policy
Darden takes animal welfare very seriously. A key tenet of our approach is to work with protein suppliers who are committed to the improvement of animal welfare. We expect our suppliers to share our commitment to the ‘Five Freedoms’ of care throughout the life of farm animals and to also provide a valid and verified animal welfare certification.
- Freedom from hunger and thirst
- Freedom from discomfort
- Freedom from pain, injury or disease
- Freedom to express normal behavior
- Freedom from fear and distress
Animal Welfare Council
In 2019, we established an Animal Welfare Council, which unites a cross-functional group of academics and thought leaders in the care of animals in food supply chains. This group is responsible for continued efforts to improve animal welfare outcomes and, most recently, mapped out a framework and process for working with chicken suppliers on key welfare areas, including medically important antibiotic usage.
Independent Advisors
Dr. Lily Edwards-Callaway
Assistant Professor of Animal Sciences
Colorado State University
Dr. Leonie Jacobs
Assistant Professor, Animal Welfare & Behavior
Virginia Tech
Dr. Janice Swanson
Professor Emeritus
Michigan State University
Consulting Advisors
Dr. Sara Crawford
Sustainable Environmental Consultants, Inc.
Mr. Øistein Thorsen
FAI Farms