Chipotle Mexican Grill has announced a groundbreaking partnership with The Ohio State University (OSU) to provide free meals to all student athletes. Starting in the 2024-25 school year, every scholarship and walk-on athlete at OSU will receive a customized card that grants them free Chipotle for their athletic seasons.
This initiative will benefit approximately 1,000 student athletes, allowing each one to enjoy one free entrée per week for 15 weeks.
Ohio State athletes, including Madison Greene from the women’s basketball team, Ella Wrobel from women’s volleyball, and TreVeyon Henderson from football, were seen proudly displaying their customized Chipotle cards.
A Strong Connection to The Community
Chipotle’s commitment to supporting OSU athletes stems from the brand’s popularity in Columbus. The university ranks among the top five four-year institutions in Chipotle consumption. Chris Brandt, Chipotle’s Chief Brand Officer, expressed the company’s desire to enhance access to nutritious food for all athletes. He noted that while only a few star players typically secure name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals, Chipotle aims to provide all athletes with quality ingredients to support their academic and athletic pursuits.
Logan Hittle, Ohio State’s Assistant Athletic Director for NIL, echoed Brandt’s sentiments, stating that this partnership reflects a mutual commitment to helping student-athletes thrive both on and off the field.
New Advertising Campaign
In conjunction with this partnership, Chipotle has launched a new advertisement featuring star players TreVeyon Henderson, Denzel Burke, and Jeremiah Smith. The ad, narrated by Buckeye legend Archie Griffin, highlights the rich traditions of Ohio State football. This campaign is part of Chipotle’s ongoing efforts to connect with the university community.
Last year, Chipotle debuted the first version of this advertisement, showcasing Henderson and other prominent Buckeye players. The brand previously collaborated with Henderson and Ohio State’s offensive line for its inaugural college football NIL campaign in 2022.
Supporting Education And Agriculture
To further its commitment to student support, the Chipotle Cultivate Foundation will introduce a new scholarship for an in-state student attending OSU’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences. This scholarship will cover the full cost of attendance for a student pursuing a degree in agricultural studies, provided they maintain good academic standing.
Conclusion
Chipotle’s partnership with The Ohio State University marks a significant step in supporting student athletes. By providing free meals and establishing a scholarship, Chipotle is not only promoting healthy eating but also investing in the future of its student athletes. As the 2024-25 school year approaches, this initiative will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the lives of many Buckeyes.