Chipotle Gives Back: $2M in Free Burritos for Teachers and Healthcare Workers

Chipotle Mexican Grill will recognize both teachers and healthcare workers by awarding 200,000 professionals with free burrito e-cards, equivalent to over $2 million in free food.

The fast-food icon has given away more than $16 million in free meals to educators and medical professionals since 2016, per a press release. Educators and healthcare professionals can sign up for a chance to receive free burritos in celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5 through May 9) and National Nurses Week (May 6 through May 12).

A total of 100,000 healthcare workers and 100,000 teachers will receive free entrée e-gift cards, equivalent to over $2 million in free food. Teachers can go to teacherthanks.chipotle.com, and healthcare professionals can go to healthcarethanks.chipotle.com.

At the end of Teacher Appreciation Week and National Nurse Appreciation Week, these professionals will be randomly selected to receive an email to verify their employment status via ID.me. Teachers and healthcare professionals who successfully verify their employment status within 48 hours will receive a free entrée e-card. Winners will be notified starting the week of May 13.

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“Teachers and healthcare professionals are such important members of the communities we serve,” said Chris Brandt, chief brand officer of the fast-food eatery. “To express our gratitude, we’re scaling up our recognition efforts and launching our largest free burrito giveback program in history.”

Chipotle Continues To Support Teachers and Healthcare Workers With Its Round-Up Program

As part of its 2025 campaign, Chipotle is making it easier than ever for guests to give back. Through the Round-Up for Real Change feature on its app and website, customers can round up their order total to support two nonprofit organizations: the Kids In Need Foundation and the American Nurses Foundation.

The Kids In Need Foundation is a national nonprofit dedicated to creating equal learning environments by providing essential school supplies to students and teachers in underserved communities. Round-up donations will go directly toward the foundation’s Supply A Teacher Program, helping classrooms across the country get the tools they need to thrive.

The American Nurses Foundation funds research and support initiatives to advance nursing practice, education, and leadership. Through the end of Nurses Week, Chipotle invites guests to round up their change to the next highest dollar amount to help provide additional support for nurses across the U.S. These efforts are part of the brand’s broader interest in community engagement and social impact.

Chipotle Mexican Grill began in 1993 with a single location in Denver, Colorado, founded by Steve Ells. The restaurant quickly gained attention for its approach to fast-casual dining, focusing on fresh ingredients and made-to-order meals. Over the years, Chipotle expanded significantly and now operates thousands of locations across the U.S. and several international markets.

The company is widely known for its commitment to what it calls “Food with Integrity,” emphasizing responsibly sourced raised meat, organic beans, and local produce when possible. Chipotle also avoids artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives in its core menu items. Meals are customizable, and ingredients are prepared in-house daily, including hand-mashed guacamole and freshly chopped vegetables.

Digital ordering has become a major part of Chipotle’s operations. Customers can place pickup or delivery orders, join the rewards program, and take part in limited-time campaigns such as the brand’s current healthcare initiative.