News

Chipotle backing Veggie U with classroom program

August 16, 2012

Students in about 675 classrooms around the country this year will get a lesson on sustainable agriculture as part of a partnership between Chipotle Mexican Grill and Veggie U, a non-profit organization dedicated to nutritional and sustainable agriculture in schools.

For every kids' meal purchased at any Chipotle across the United States between Aug. 24 and 31, Chipotle will donate 100 percent of the proceeds (up to $250,000) to Veggie U, according to a company press release. Then, throughout September, customers can bring back their receipt showing the kids' meal purchase to Chipotle for a free kids' meal.

Under Veggie U's "Earth to Table" program, participating schools receive a classroom grow kit which includes vegetable seeds, soil, grow lights and a worm farm, along with accompanying lesson plans for children to experience the process of planting, growing and harvesting fresh produce. The program is designed for elementary school students, as well as those with special needs.

"We are changing the way people think about and eat fast food, and that means helping people understand more about how food is grown and produced," said Steve Ells, founder, chairman and co-CEO of Chipotle. "Veggie U is a like-minded organization that is helping children understand where food comes from by giving them what they need to grow – and ultimately enjoy – fresh produce right in their classroom."

Chipotle and Veggie U's partnership began in 2010 when Chipotle sponsored Veggie U's Earth to Table program in Toledo, Ohio. Since then, the partnership has expanded from one school to a nationwide initiative that will provide more than 800 additional fourth-grade and special needs classrooms across the country with the ability to implement Veggie U's Earth to Table classroom garden program. More than 24,000 students and their families will have the opportunity to participate in engaging, hands-on learning about food, sustainable agriculture and the importance of eating healthy.

Read more about sustainability.