Chipotle Brings a Focus on Healthy Food
Food issues are on everyone’s mind. Food deserts, areas with inadequate access to healthy, affordable food, are a major problem in some areas, particularly parts of Chicago. So Chipotle Mexican Grill’s announcement that it’s holding its first-ever food and music festival in Chicago’s Lincoln Park this fall seems very fitting.
‘Cultivate Chicago’ is an effort by the brand to get people thinking about food and food issues. It’s a one-day festival that brings together celebrity chefs, artisanal food and wine, and top musicians.
“This festival is a celebration of many of the things that Chipotle stands for,” said Steve Ells, founder, chairman, and co-CEO of Chipotle. “We’re bringing together farmers, chefs, thought leaders, artisans and musicians on a journey that not only celebrates wholesome food, but that also champions the like-minded people who share our vision to create a better food supply and a more sustainable future.”
The musical guests include great artists like Calexico, Mayer Hawthorne & The County, White Rabbits, The Rural Alberta Advantage and The Cave Singers.
Chipotle is putting together a specialty menu for the event based on its traditional foods. The menu will be filled with dishes that make use of the restaurant’s usual ingredients, but prepared in new and interesting ways. Proceeds from the special menu will go to FamilyFarmed.org, a Chicago-based organization that aims to expand the production, marketing, and distribution of locally grown and responsibly produced food.
The event is free, and sounds like it’s going to be a fantastic time. What a way to draw attention to an important cause.
