White House to use real eggs for the Easter Egg Roll despite egg supply strains and rising prices

This year’s White House Easter Egg Roll will go ahead as scheduled, using real eggs, even amid concerns over egg shortages and high prices. Egg prices have been high recently due to the avian flu that has affected millions of birds. However, the White House confirmed the use of 30,000 eggs for the annual event on April 21. The American Egg Board, which has been supplying eggs for the event for years, assured that it would not impact the nation’s egg supply or prices. Despite this, some farmers believe that using real eggs is unnecessary, especially when the supply is limited and prices are high.

The decision to use real eggs has sparked a debate among egg farmers. While some like Marty Thomas, co-owner of Kakadoodle egg farm, support the tradition, others like Vanessa Frias, owner of Willowbrook Farms, disagree. Frias, who has experienced the effects of the egg shortage, argued that eggs should be used to feed families, not be rolled for fun. With egg prices still higher than usual, she believes it would be better to avoid wasting eggs on an event. On the other hand, Thomas emphasized the joy the event brings to children, and despite the challenges, he was okay with supplying eggs for the occasion.

The avian flu outbreak has led to the deaths of 168 million birds since February 2022, creating egg shortages that have driven prices up. The average price of a dozen large eggs hit an all-time high of $8.64 in March 2023 but has recently dropped to $3 per dozen. Despite these fluctuations, the Egg Board has assured that the 30,000 eggs used for the Easter Egg Roll account for only a small percentage of the overall egg supply. The board has also confirmed that the eggs used for the event are typically smaller and not intended for retail, further minimizing any impact on consumers.

While egg prices are high, some farmers are finding creative ways to stay afloat and give back to their communities. For example, Kakadoodle egg farm, which lost its flock to bird flu, continues to serve its customers through online farmers markets. Additionally, the Egg Board’s new initiative allows egg farmers to donate an egg to their local food bank for every egg they donate to the White House. This initiative, which began under President Joe Biden’s administration, has helped many farmers remain involved in charitable efforts while navigating the current supply chain challenges.

Despite the strain on the egg supply due to avian flu and the ongoing price concerns, the White House is committed to using real eggs for the 2025 Easter Egg Roll. While the decision has garnered mixed reactions from farmers, the event will continue as a long-standing tradition.