Chipotle cultivates environmental awareness

Music, food draw students to community event

Celene Koller

Abby Hickstein

After four years of traveling the country, the Chipotle Cultivate Festival made its first appearance in Minneapolis. The festival featured free admission and musical performances.

Chipotle spokeswoman Danielle Winslow said the Cultivate Festival was successful in spreading their message to students about the food industry and making better eating choices.

“Our purpose is to get people thinking and talking about food issues and how to create a more sustainable future,” Winslow said. “It’s a free way to get people together by bringing them in with entertainment such as chef demonstrations and bands such as Portugal. The Man and Grouplove.”

Winslow said the festival features many activities for students to enjoy.

“Throughout the festival there are some booths set up that teach people about food and food issues,” Winslow said. “This year for example we have an exhibit about GMOs and animal confinement. If someone visits four out of the five exhibits they get a free burrito.”

Sophomore EB Brown said he believes many students will attend the festival because of the free music along with no entrance fees.

“I think the students will like a free concert that you can enjoy with friends because a lot of venues are really packed and they cost a lot of money,” Brown said. “It’s a nice option for people who don’t have a ton of money.”

Junior Naila Binda said she enjoyed going to the festival for the first time to hear music and to experience the Cultivate Festival.

“The festival was really awesome, I had a lot of fun,” Binda said. “My favorite part was listening to the bands and also trying out new foods.”

The Chipotle Cultivate Festival occurred on Aug. 23 in Loring Park, Minneapolis from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.