The Daily Dish: December 31, 2015

Today's first course?

Costco Joins Commitment to Cage-Free Eggs

Leaders with Costco announce a plan to join several other companies and make the switch to cage-free eggs. This all comes after months of pressure from The Humane Society of The United States and public figures like Brad Pitt and Bill Maher. The wholesale retailer says it has increased the amount of cage-free eggs sold since 2006. While it's still working with its suppliers to go completely cage-free, it expects to sell over one billion in 2016.

Oregon Bakery That Refused to Make Wedding Cake for Lesbian Couple Paid $135K in Damages

Do you remember that bakery in Oregon that made headlines after the owners refused to bake a wedding cake for a lesbian couple? Well the damages have finally been paid. Aaron and Melissa Klein, owners of Sweet Cakes by Melissa, had to pay more than $135,000 of a state-ordered settlement (plus interest) nearly six months after the jury decided that refusing to bake a cake on religious moral grounds was discrimination. The initial incident took place in 2013 when the owners refused to bake a wedding cake for Laurel and Rachel Bowman-Cryer on the grounds of religious objection to same-sex marriage. After nearly two years of deliberation in courts, the couple was awarded damages in July on the grounds of emotional suffering. The Oregon Equality Act, which was passed in 2007, bans "discrimination based on sexual orientation, and gender identity in employment, housing, public accommodations, and other categories."  

Pet Food Pantry Helps Animals and Families in Need

When it comes to food donations, family pets are often overlooked or forgotten. However, thanks to Mario's Pet Pantry, our four legged friends can now get food, beds, blankets, and toys. Paulette Coty began the pantry in honor of her late son Mario, an animal lover who died a few years ago. The program is designed to help military families reunite with their pets, or families who are home-bound or low-income. To learn more about how you can help, be sure to check out this story in our News in Brief section on The Daily Meal.

That's today's Daily Dish, thanks for watching. Stop by tomorrow for another helping.