This year, for the second year in a row, the 1,300 Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants in the US and Canada will be serving up 10 million pounds of locally grown produce. And part of all that local produce, from local family farmers, is at every one of its locations.
Chipotle is the only national restaurant company with a significant commitment to using locally grown produce, and is a leader in supporting local family farms and more sustainable agriculture. It has steadily increased its locally sourced produce supply since beginning the program in 2008 with a commitment to serve delicious vegetables grown on farms within 350 miles of the restaurants where they will be served.
“Supporting local farms continues to be important to us,” notes Steve Ells, founder, chairman, and co-CEO of Chipotle. “Food that is locally grown is fresher and better tasting, and supports local farm communities around the country. Making local food accessible is an important part of our commitment to providing better food from more sustainable sources. It is a key element in our effort to change the way people think about east fast food.”
According to a recent online survey of 2,000 adults by the Mintel market research firm, more than half (52%) of U.S. consumers say it is more important to buy local produce than organic options. To that end, Chipotle works with local, family-owned farms to provide bell peppers, red onions, jalapeños, oregano, and romaine lettuce for its restaurants. In addition, Chipotle restaurants in Florida & California also source locally grown tomatoes, as well as lemons and Haas avocados in California.
Beyond this commitment, Chipotle continues to serve significant quantities of organically grown beans and cilantro. It is also working with Food Alliance certified growers to source beans that use conservation tillage methods, which reduce soil erosion. The company sources 100% of its meat from animals that are naturally raised (the animals are never given antibiotics or added hormones), and increasing amounts of milk from pasture-raised daily cattle for its cheese and sour cream.
Be sure to pay a call at one of the Chipotle Mexican Grill locations near you.
Bon Appétit!
TAD
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