By Julia Train
On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, Ingrid Newkirk, president of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), sent an email to Egg Harbor Township (EHT) Mayor Laura Pfrommer.
In the message, Newkirk wrote to Pfrommer “with a suggestion that could help residents amid surging egg prices.”
The PETA president continued, “Would you likewise consider changing the name of Egg Harbor Township to ‘Just Egg Harbor Township,’ if only for one eggstra special day, to highlight the fact that vegan eggs exist?”
Just Egg is a plant-based egg alternative crafted from mung beans. It delivers 5 grams of protein per serving and contains zero cholesterol. It’s earned praise for closely mimicking the texture, flavor and cooking behavior of traditional chicken eggs.
The email highlighted that most people think of eggs as coming from chickens and the harsh conditions the animals face.
Along with the treatment of the chickens, PETA mentioned the health implications to humans due to the bird flu, which has sent egg prices soaring in recent months.
The email states, “The World Health Organization describes the risk of bird flu spreading to humans as an ‘enormous concern.’ And even without the threat of bird flu, research shows that eggs, which have high levels of cholesterol, are harmful to human health. They increase the risk of developing heart disease and diabetes, so they really aren’t all they’re cracked up to be.”
Newkirk offered to supply a Just Egg breakfast with plant-based bacon and samples for the mayor, staff and guests at the next council meeting if Pfrommer decided to change the name, even for a day. She also said PETA would donate 100 Just Egg packets of vegan eggs to the community organization or nonprofit of the mayor’s choice.
“With egg prices at an all time high and with bird flu ravaging the country, we thought that Egg Harbor Township is in a position to help its residents and chickens who are exploited and killed for eggs at this moment,” said Amber Canavan, vegan campaigns project manager at PETA.
“We’re asking the mayor to change the Township’s name, even if just for a day, to send a clear message that everyone can help these living, feeling hens who are being used for eggs, and also help their pocketbooks, since egg prices are at an all time high and are experiencing shortages.”
Inspired by the time Hot Springs, New Mexico changed its name to Truth or Consequences in 1950 as a publicity stunt to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Ralph Edwards’ “Truth or Consequences” game show on NBC radio, Canavan said PETA noticed the township’s unique name, and has appealed to towns that had references to fishing, meat or bacon, like Fishkill, New York.
“We thought it would be an interesting way to get that conversation going and bring the residents in who are probably starting to question some of the choices at the grocery store with prices so high that there is alternatives that are that are not hurtful and not promoting the imprisoning of chickens in these giant factory farms that are spreading avian flu and causing these egg price hikes and shortages,” said Canavan.
EHT got its name from explorer Cornelius Jacobsen Mey in 1614. Mey came across the inlet to the Great Egg Harbor River and saw that the meadows were covered with shorebird and waterfowl eggs. He called it “Eyren Haven” (Egg Harbor).
PETA is aware of the history and isn’t asking for the name change to be permanent. Caravan said it would be “a symbolic thing.”
While Mayor Pfrommer has not yet responded publicly to PETA’s request, the proposal has already sparked conversation among residents. Whether or not EHT adopts the temporary name change, PETA’s campaign underscores a growing interest in plant-based alternatives amid rising food costs and public health concerns.
Despite repeated attempts via email, phone and social media direct messages, Pfrommer did not respond to requests for comment from Shore Local.
Julia is a recent Rider University graduate, where she studied multiplatform journalism and social media strategies. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, trying new coffee shops, photography and the beach. She can be reached at juliatrainmedia@gmail.com or connect with her on Instagram @juliatrain
