Chipotle: Better than other fast foods?


When thinking about sustainable food, there is a difficult dilemma of transporting food healthily, ethically, and relatively easily. Many restaurants and grocers wonder if buying local is worth the hassle. Sometimes it can be easier to have food transported from various warehouses. However, one restaurant in particular seems to only buy local- Chipotle. Chipotle’s motto is to buy and serve “the very best sustainably raised food possible with an eye to great taste...nutrition and value” (Chipotle’s website). They honor local farmers who respect the land and respect the animals, that way cows, chickens, and pigs are treated naturally and without the use of synthetic hormones.

But why does this matter? What difference does it make if the food is local or transported? Well, by buying local, you are buying food that has integrity. There are no antibiotics or hormones used in their upbringing, which means that when you’re buying a chicken, you’re buying a complete chicken. Not 42% of a chicken. By buying local and supporting restaurants like Chipotle, we are supporting our economy and encouraging farmers to produce food that will be healthy and safe to eat for future generations to come.

The first Chipotle was opened in 1993. Their CEO Steve Ells had a mission to ensure that all animals were treated humanely and without additives in their food. In a statement, Steve said that, “I just wanted to build a place where you could eat delicious food made of the finest ingredients quickly and affordably”. Steve met with several farmers and ranchers who were dedicated to raising livestock responsibly, respectfully and with sustainable techniques. Chipotle’s staff is dedicated to serving “Food With Integrity” that will be good for the environment and all animals involved.

So grab a burrito or bowl next time you are near a Chipotle and want to help your local community! Learn more about how Chipotle began in the video below. Also check out their website here.


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