A long-standing White House tradition is stirring controversy—here’s why
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Something colorful and classic is set to return to one of the most iconic lawns in the country.
But behind the scenes, a surprising detail in this year’s plan has some Americans talking—and others questioning the timing.
What’s normally seen as a cheerful tradition is now drawing concern from those who say the choice could come at a cost.
The annual Easter Egg Roll at the White House will once again feature thousands of real eggs.
More than 30,000 eggs are set to be used for rolling games and decorations during the event.
That decision comes at a time when egg prices remain high and supplies are still strained nationwide.
Some farmers and consumers are questioning whether it makes sense to use so many eggs for entertainment.
The American Egg Board, which supplies the eggs, said the tradition is important to keep alive.
"The heart of this event is about bringing joy to children and families," said Emily Metz, the group’s president.
She added that keeping morale high is valuable, especially during a difficult season for egg producers.
Not everyone agrees.
Vanessa Frias, an egg farmer from Michigan, said those eggs should be going to feed families, not for play.
"It’s a waste," she said, citing supply issues and rising demand in her community.
Her farm’s egg layers have not been impacted by bird flu, but she still sees the market tightening.
This year, the event will use only small and medium eggs—the types not typically sold in stores.
The Egg Board says this helps avoid impacting retail shelves and consumer access.
The decision was made after multiple internal conversations about optics and public perception.
The eggs are donated by farmers across the country as part of a long-standing partnership.
According to the Egg Board, these 30,000 eggs represent just a fraction of the nine million dozen sold daily.
Still, the use of real eggs has opened up questions about values, priorities, and food security.
Some argue the gesture is symbolic and boosts national spirit.
Others see it as an outdated tradition that doesn’t reflect current realities.
For the first time, the event will also feature a program that donates a matching number of eggs to local food banks.
The Egg Board introduced the initiative during the Biden administration to balance celebration with social responsibility.
While some producers declined to donate this year, many still supported the cause.
Other farmers, like Marty Thomas from Iowa, see the event as harmless and uplifting.
"It’s not like they’re using millions of eggs," he said.
He believes keeping traditions alive matters more than the number of eggs used.
The avian flu has affected over 168 million birds since 2022, significantly impacting egg supply.
That outbreak led to flock losses, tighter production, and price hikes across the country.
Although prices have eased somewhat, they still sit above average levels.
As of early April, a dozen large white eggs cost about $3, down from a record high of $8.64 in March.
Some fear another price surge could occur if supply continues to lag behind demand.
Others argue that egg farmers can meet both tradition and need through creative solutions.
What do you think—should real eggs be used for public celebrations like this, or is it time to rethink how we celebrate during shortages? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Read next: Before you make a Target run on Easter… you should know this.
But behind the scenes, a surprising detail in this year’s plan has some Americans talking—and others questioning the timing.
What’s normally seen as a cheerful tradition is now drawing concern from those who say the choice could come at a cost.
The annual Easter Egg Roll at the White House will once again feature thousands of real eggs.
More than 30,000 eggs are set to be used for rolling games and decorations during the event.
That decision comes at a time when egg prices remain high and supplies are still strained nationwide.
Some farmers and consumers are questioning whether it makes sense to use so many eggs for entertainment.
The White House plans to use real eggs for the Easter Egg Roll despite concerns about egg prices and supply issues due to avian flu. Image source: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert / YouTube
The American Egg Board, which supplies the eggs, said the tradition is important to keep alive.
"The heart of this event is about bringing joy to children and families," said Emily Metz, the group’s president.
She added that keeping morale high is valuable, especially during a difficult season for egg producers.
Not everyone agrees.
Vanessa Frias, an egg farmer from Michigan, said those eggs should be going to feed families, not for play.
"It’s a waste," she said, citing supply issues and rising demand in her community.
Her farm’s egg layers have not been impacted by bird flu, but she still sees the market tightening.
This year, the event will use only small and medium eggs—the types not typically sold in stores.
The Egg Board says this helps avoid impacting retail shelves and consumer access.
The decision was made after multiple internal conversations about optics and public perception.
The eggs are donated by farmers across the country as part of a long-standing partnership.
According to the Egg Board, these 30,000 eggs represent just a fraction of the nine million dozen sold daily.
Still, the use of real eggs has opened up questions about values, priorities, and food security.
Some argue the gesture is symbolic and boosts national spirit.
Others see it as an outdated tradition that doesn’t reflect current realities.
For the first time, the event will also feature a program that donates a matching number of eggs to local food banks.
The Egg Board introduced the initiative during the Biden administration to balance celebration with social responsibility.
While some producers declined to donate this year, many still supported the cause.
Other farmers, like Marty Thomas from Iowa, see the event as harmless and uplifting.
"It’s not like they’re using millions of eggs," he said.
He believes keeping traditions alive matters more than the number of eggs used.
The avian flu has affected over 168 million birds since 2022, significantly impacting egg supply.
That outbreak led to flock losses, tighter production, and price hikes across the country.
Although prices have eased somewhat, they still sit above average levels.
As of early April, a dozen large white eggs cost about $3, down from a record high of $8.64 in March.
Some fear another price surge could occur if supply continues to lag behind demand.
Others argue that egg farmers can meet both tradition and need through creative solutions.
Read next: Before you make a Target run on Easter… you should know this.
