News

Chipotle joins Fair Food Program

October 10, 2012

Chipotle Mexican Grill has joined the Fair Food Program, which brings better wages and working conditions for the people who harvest most of the nation's winter tomato crop, according to news-press.com.

The chain has been in debates since 2006 with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers, a nonprofit farmworker group, thatquestioned Chipotle's "food with integrity" mantra, alleging that the company purchased tomatoes from farms that underpay and often mistreat their workers.

"With this agreement, we are laying down a foundation upon which we all – workers, growers, and Chipotle – can build a stronger Florida tomato industry for the future," said coalition member Gerardo Reyes in a statement. "But more than this, today's news marks a turning point in the sustainable food movement as a whole, whereby, thanks to Chipotle's leadership, farmworkers are finally recognized as true partners — every bit as vital as farmers, chefs, and restaurants — in bringing 'good food' to our tables."

The chain is the 11th company to join the CIW's Fair Food Program.

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