The American Egg Board (AEB) has unveiled the 2021 First Lady's Commemorative Egg along with a historic pledge by America's egg farmers to donate more than 90 million eggs this year to food banks across the country. The record-breaking commitment was shared in conjunction with the 44th annual presentation of the First Lady's Commemorative Egg, a symbolic gift for Dr. Jill Biden and an Easter tradition on behalf of America's egg farmers.
"For more than 40 years, the presentation of the First Lady's Commemorative Egg by America's egg farmers has been a cherished springtime tradition celebrating our nation's first ladies. We are honored to continue that tradition with Dr. Biden this year by also pledging to donate more than 90 million eggs for hunger relief, sharing the Bidens' commitment to serving those in need, at such a great time of need," said Emily Metz, president and CEO of the American Egg Board.
Dating back to 1977, the First Lady's Commemorative Egg celebrates the passions of America's first ladies and their initiatives. First Daughter Amy Carter was the first recipient and today the tradition continues as a presentation to the First Lady of the United States during the White House Easter Egg Roll in the Diplomatic Reception Room inside the White House.
This year's egg was designed by egg artist Russ Hagen and features an image of the White House flanked by the iconic flowering cherry blossoms of our nation's capital, with intentions of reflecting the spirit of hope and renewal inherent to spring and American optimism.
"While eggs are in demand all year round — especially at our nation's food banks — they are the cornerstone of spring celebrations around Easter and Passover, and America's egg farmers are especially proud of the egg's prominent place on Americans' tables during these special celebrations," said Metz.
Egg donations
The historic pledge made by egg farmers will ensure that Americans in need are provided with eggs throughout the year. "We want to make sure everyone can enjoy the versatility and nutrition of eggs. Eggs provide a complete source of high-quality protein and other important nutrients that growing children and people of all ages need, and America's egg farmers are committed to making sure every family has access to eggs," said Metz.
More than 45 million Americans, including 15 million children, may experience food insecurity, according to Feeding America's The Impact of the Coronavirus on Food Insecurity in 2020 & 2021 brief. U.S. egg farmers have long supported families in need through egg and egg product donations, and their dedication only continues to grow.
In 2021, America's egg farmers pledge to:
- Support American families facing food insecurity by encouraging equitable access to sustainable nutrition.
- Donate more than 90 million eggs — doubling 2020 donations — directly from farms to food banks in the wake of COVID-19.
- Provide wholesome, nutritious eggs with powerful nutrients to people of all ages.
Other egg traditions
Egg producers have a deep history in supplying the white house with eggs for special events at the white house, be it the first ladies egg or the Easter Egg Roll.
The Easter Egg Roll is typically held annually on the White House South Lawn each Easter Monday for children and their parents. It is hosted by the president and the first lady. While it is not taking place this year due to the pandemic, egg producers such as Trey Braswell, president of Braswell Family Farms, recently reflected on his experience at the event and the company's many years of donating eggs. Braswell provided 375 dozen eggs to the event in 2018.
Years ago, there was a special invitation sent to the Braswell Family. Braswell and his family attended when he was a small child. "There was certainly a sense of connection and comradery. I remember also feeling proud; my father told me that all the eggs for the event had been donated by egg farmers. The eggs came from farms like ours…," Braswell said in a recent blog post.
Braswell shared that someday when his daughters are older, he and his wife hope to take them to a White House Easter Egg Roll to share in the experience that American egg farmers help create.
