With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today during our fall member drive.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Chipotle Considers 'Suspending' Guacamole
Say goodnight, Gracie (Midtown Lunch/Flickr)
()
The burrito god giveth and the burrito god taketh away, or so it seems to be. Just days after finally bestowing tofu on parts of the northeast, Chipotle reportedly revealed it may be forced to suspend guacamole and salsa sales due to rising food costs. More specifically, rising food costs due to climate change.
"Increasing weather volatility or other long-term changes in global weather patterns, including any changes associated with global climate change, could have a significant impact on the price or availability of some of our ingredients," read the language in a recent SEC filing by the Denver-based chain. The company indicated it may "choose to temporarily suspend serving menu items, such as guacamole or one or more of our salsas, rather than paying the increased cost for the ingredients." The move may "negatively impact" the restaurant chain but it won't be willing to pony up the extra cash or compromise its commitment to sustainable farming.
The chain insists it's just the kind of thing it's required to say. "This is strictly routine 'risk factor' language as part of the annual financial disclosure," the chain explained to Business Insider. The website notes that public companies are also legally required to disclose things like labor cost, food-borne illness and business competition in their SEC reports.
Still, the science behind the report's language rings true. Last season, Hass avocados from Southern California suffered some shrinkage due to dry weather conditions and "erratic bee activity." Industry experts predict this season's crop to be a lower yield but with larger avocados, however climate scientists are predicting drier, hotter seasons, which could significantly affect California avocado production in the coming years.
Support for LAist comes from
Ditching guac from its menu would be a significant change for the company, which blows through about 97,000 pounds of avocado daily, or roughly 35.4 million pounds annually. It's a bleak outlook considering we're probably screwed when it comes to reversing climate change.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight. -
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious. -
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress. -
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent. -
Kevin Lacy has an obsession with documenting California’s forgotten and decaying places. -
Restaurants share resources in the food hall in West Adams as Los Angeles reckons with increasing restaurant closures.
Best of LAist