NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.,
Jan. 29, 2020 /PRNewswire/
-- Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) announced
today the Chipotle Aluminaries Project 2.0, an accelerator program
designed to support ventures from across the country that are
advancing innovative solutions to empower the next generation of
farmers. The industry-leading program is sponsored by the Chipotle
Cultivate Foundation in partnership with Uncharted, both nonprofit
501(c)(3) organizations. From now until March 11, 2020,
farmer-focused companies may submit applications to join a new
cohort of ventures that will receive eight months of customized
support, including mentorship from industry leaders.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, farm debt is
projected to hit a record $416
billion, up almost 40% since 2012. Many small and
mid-size farmers committed to farming in an ethical and sustainable
way need help to have a chance to succeed — both for the sake of
the future of real nutritious food and the communities that rely on
those farms. In December, Chipotle announced that it was
implementing a scalable solution to these challenges via three-year
contracts through approved suppliers, seed grants and increased
local sourcing. Over the last month, Chipotle has donated over
$385K to the National Young Farmers
Coalition to help farmers during this steep agriculture
downturn.
"As an organization that prioritizes corporate citizenship,
Chipotle acknowledges that no one individual or company can
cultivate a better world on their own," said Laurie Schalow, Chief Corporate Reputation
Officer at Chipotle. "American farming is at a crossroads and we
must work together to identify solutions to overcome its great
challenges."
The Chipotle Aluminaries Project 2.0 is seeking applicants (both
for and non-profits) that provide a solution to one of the top
challenge areas faced by young farmers, including access to land,
finance, and labor. Solutions in AgTech, education, and
wellness—with a focus on the next generation of farmers—will also
be considered. Companies interested in applying for the Chipotle
Aluminaries Project 2.0 can find more information and apply at
uncharted.org/program/chipotle-aluminaries-project-2.
The selected ventures will receive support and mentorship from
notable industry leaders, including Seth
Goldman, founder of Honest Tea; Ken
Meyer, Former Global VP of Whole Foods Market; Robyn O'Brien, co-founder of rePlant Capital;
and Brian Irving, Chief Marketing
Officer of Eventbrite; as well as Chipotle executives. The selected
ventures will participate in a five-day, in-person summit hosted by
Chipotle in Newport Beach, Calif.,
with direct access to mentors who will focus on key areas of scale
like strategy, leadership, finances and systems. Attendees will
also receive individualized investor introductions throughout the
program and Chipotle VIP cards, which will provide real food to
fuel work sessions all year long.
In 2019, Chipotle selected eight growth-stage food-focused
ventures to participate in the inaugural program, including
AgVoice, American Ostrich Farms, Asarasi, GrubTubs, ImpactVision,
Novolyze, Rex Animal Health and Sophie's Kitchen Plant-Based
Seafood.
"The Aluminaries Project is the first accelerator program we've
seen that emphasizes the accelerations of sustainable business
practices," said Eugene Wang,
founder of Sophie's Kitchen Plant-Based Seafood. "As mission-driven
entrepreneurs, we believe this program helped us strengthen our
value and stay true to our purpose."
Submissions for the Chipotle Aluminaries Project 2.0 become the
property of Chipotle and will not be returned. Finalists will be
selected by Uncharted in its discretion.
ABOUT CHIPOTLE
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:
CMG) is cultivating a better world by serving responsibly sourced,
classically-cooked, real food with wholesome ingredients without
artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Chipotle had over
2,500 restaurants as of September 30, 2019, in the
United States, Canada, the United
Kingdom, France and Germany and is the only
restaurant company of its size that owns and operates all its
restaurants. With more than 80,000 employees passionate about
providing a great guest experience, Chipotle is a longtime leader
and innovator in the food industry. Chipotle is committed to making
its food more accessible to everyone while continuing to be a brand
with a demonstrated purpose as it leads the way in digital,
technology and sustainable business practices. Steve Ells,
founder and Executive Chairman, first opened Chipotle with a single
restaurant in Denver, Colorado in 1993. For more
information or to place an order online,
visit WWW.CHIPOTLE.COM.
ABOUT THE CHIPOTLE CULTIVATE FOUNDATION
Chipotle
Mexican Grill established the Chipotle Cultivate Foundation in 2011
to extend its commitment to making real food accessible for all.
Since its inception, the foundation has contributed more than
$5 million to like-minded
organizations committed to cultivating a better world through
food.
ABOUT UNCHARTED
Uncharted is a social impact
accelerator that scales solutions to the most pressing problems of
our time. Uncharted programs connect problem solvers to the
resources and support they need to scale their solutions, using a
multidisciplinary approach that mobilizes a diverse network of
mentors, funders, partners, and communities. To date, alumni of
Uncharted have collectively raised $315
million, created impact in 96 countries, and benefitted 55
million lives. For more information, visit WWW.UNCHARTED.ORG.
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SOURCE Chipotle Mexican Grill