Chipotle is rolling out a new nationwide giveaway that will put up to $2 million worth of free meals into the hands of teachers and healthcare workers, marking one of its largest appreciation campaigns to date.
According to People, the initiative, timed around Teacher Appreciation Week and National Nurses Week, will distribute 200,000 free entrée e-gift cards—split evenly between educators and medical professionals. From now until May 12, eligible participants can enter via dedicated online portals for a chance to win their share.
Those selected will need to verify their employment within 48 hours, with winners beginning to receive notifications starting May 13. Each gift card covers a standard entrée, including burritos, bowls, tacos, salads, or quesadillas, redeemable in-store or through Chipotle’s digital platforms.
The campaign also extends beyond giveaways. During National Nurses Week, customers can opt to round up their orders in Chipotle’s app or on its website, with proceeds directed to the American Nurses Foundation.
A similar feature will later support the Kids In Need Foundation, which provides resources to underfunded classrooms.
Chipotle says the effort builds on a long-running program aimed at recognizing essential workers. A company representative noted that participation reached a record high in 2025 and added that the brand has given away more than $16 million in free food to teachers and healthcare professionals since 2016.
The move arrives as the company continues to navigate a complicated financial backdrop. During its February earnings call, CEO Scott Boatwright highlighted that “60% of our core users are over $100,000 a year in income,” adding that the company sees an opportunity to “lean into that group in a more meaningful way.”
That strategy comes after a year where sales growth didn’t fully translate into increased foot traffic. Comparable restaurant sales declined in both the fourth quarter and across 2025, with transactions also trending downward. At the same time, Chipotle raised menu prices by roughly 2% nationally in late 2024 to offset rising costs tied to ingredients, labor, and operations.
