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Have You Ever Wondered Where Your Chicken Nuggets Come From? Let’s Talk Pilgrim's Pride Corporation! Okay, real talk: who here doesn’t love a crispy, juicy chicken nugget or a perfectly spiced grilled fillet? Seriously, I grew up in a family that basically had a rotation of chicken tenders, BBQ wings, and – I kid you not – chicken everything. It wasn’t until a couple years ago, standing in the freezer aisle (contemplating which bag of frozen wings to buy for a movie night), that I started noticing the name “Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation” on SO many packages. At first, I was just like, “Cool, never heard of them, let’s eat!” But then my curiosity got the best of me. Who is Pilgrim’s Pride, and why does their name pop up whenever there’s chicken involved?! So, What’s the Deal With Pilgrim’s Pride? Fast forward to my little home research project: turns out Pilgrim’s Pride isn’t just some random chicken brand. We’re talking about one of the world’s biggest poultry producers! They’re the magician behind some of your fave boneless bites, grilled strips, and even many pre-cooked supermarket chicken meals. To put it in perspective, when you’re ordering that 10-piece at a fast-food joint or grabbing a microwavable chicken sandwich from the grocery, there’s a pretty good chance Pilgrim’s Pride had something to do with it. Wild, right? What blew my mind is the scale. We’re talking about farms scattered all across the U.S., Mexico, and even the U.K. Picture it: thousands of employees (seriously, they have over 50,000 people worldwide!) and flocks that, let’s be real, DEFINITELY outnumber the population of my hometown. But what really stood out wasn’t just the numbers. It’s how much they shape what we eat and even the fast-food menus we take for granted. The Inside Scoop: Behind the Big Brand I actually got to chat (virtually) with a friend who worked at one of their plants. And the stories are... wow. On the one hand, she described the controlled chaos of daily life processing THOUSANDS of birds, the gigantic refrigerators, and how everything is kept spotless (um, food safety is real!). On the other hand, there was talk about intense schedules and how crucial it is that every single step is tracked— I mean, they literally know where each batch of chicken came from. It’s kind of awe-inspiring thinking about how much organization and tech goes into getting chicken from the farm to my plate. Side note: when my friend mentioned getting “free samples” as part of her job, I was just a bit jealous. 🫣 Imagine coming home with bags of chicken bites! (My dream.) But she also reminded me how this industry is always under a microscope for things like animal welfare, sustainability, or fair labor practices. When you feed THAT many people, you’re gonna have people watching how you do it, for sure. Real Talk: The Impact On Our Plates…and Our World Here’s where my thoughts get a little deeper. On the one hand, having huge companies like Pilgrim’s Pride making mass quantities of chicken keeps prices down and makes chicken a go-to protein for so many families (myself included). But as someone who cares about where my food comes from and what goes into it, I also want to feel good about the behind-the-scenes. Are the chickens treated well? How are workers doing? What about the environmental footprint? There’s been progess on some fronts—like them talking more about “better chicken commitment” and sustainable sourcing—but honestly, I’d love to see more of these big brands opening up about what really happens and pushing for even more transparency. Maybe that’s wishful thinking, but as a chicken nugget superfan and someone who wants to eat with a clear conscience, it’s on my mind every time I see their logo. My Take: What Will You Do Next Time You Pick Up Chicken? At the end of the day, Pilgrim's Pride is a massive part of the story of chicken in America (and beyond). Whether you’re stocking up for a big family BBQ or just fueling your late-night fried chicken cravings, it’s worth knowing whose hands—and whose farms—your food has passed through. Next time you see that Pilgrim’s Pride name in the fridge or on your dinner table, maybe take a second to think about the journey from farm to fork! I’m all about delicious, convenient food, but I’m also rooting for more honest conversations about where our food really comes from. Who knows? Maybe if we all pushed for more info and fairness, even the biggest chicken brands would listen. Until then, I’m keeping an eye out—because let’s be real, you are what you eat…and sometimes that means you’re a little part Pilgrim’s Pride, too! What are your thoughts on giant food brands like Pilgrim’s Pride? Ever had a behind-the-scenes experience in the food industry? Drop your stories or worries below—let’s chat!