A short film titled “Abandoned” has been produced by the Chipotle Cultivate Foundation, in cooperation with Chipotle Mexican Grill, to support local farming and promote a fund-raiser at Chipotle restaurants on Halloween to benefit the foundation and Farm Aid.
Steve Ells, founder and chairman of Chipotle, said the film is designed to raise awareness about the economic hardship family farmers face in the increasingly industrialized American agricultural system.
“Chipotle has a long history of supporting local farms,” said Ells. “Unfortunately those farms are disappearing by the hundreds each week. With this film, we hope to spark more of a conversation about the urgency of supporting family farms and the communities they sustain.”
The film, set at night, tells the story of three farm boys exploring an abandoned farmhouse. One of the boys realizes that the abandoned farmhouse may soon represent the plight of his own family and their nearby farmhouse.
Ells said that in addition to raising awareness of the need to support family farms, the film highlights the upcoming Chipotle’s Boorito fund-raiser to be held at Chipotle restaurants in the United States, Canada and England. Through the Boorito promotion, Chipotle hopes to raise $1 million for the Chipotle Cultivate Foundation and Farm Aid.
People who want to participate in the fund-raiser should go to any Chipotle restaurant between 6 p.m. and closing on Oct. 31 dressed in a costume inspired by the family farm and purchase a burrito, bowl, salad or order of tacos for $2. Proceeds, up to $1 million, will be donated to the foundation and Farm Aid.
Howard Pankratz: 303-954-1939 or hpankratz@denverpost.com.
