Chipotle Grows Local Produce Program

Chipotle is expanding its local produce program this summer.  They will now purchase at least 35 percent of at least one bulk produce item in all of its restaurants from local farmers when it is seasonally available.  This is a 10% increase over last year and a first among fast food chains.

Under the program, Chipotle expects to have more than 25 local farms in its network.  They will supply some of the lettuce, green bell peppers, jalapeno peppers, red onions and/or oregano served in Chipotle restaurants.

“Our commitment to cooking and preparing food with more sustainable ingredients has always been about doing the right thing; the right thing for better tasting food, the right thing for the environment, and the right thing for farmers,” said Steve Ells, founder, chairman, and co-CEO of Chipotle. “Many consumers are just now starting to understand where their food comes from and how it’s raised, but we have known for a long time that there are many benefits to food that is raised right.”