June 20, 2008 - The Chipotle burrito chain has pledged to source 25% of at least one in-season produce item within 200 miles of the restaurant that will serve it, Associated Press reports.

Locally grown ingredients taste better, and they're also cheaper to transport and help support local economies, according to Chipotle founder and CEO Steve Ells.

"Ultimately this is changing the way the world thinks about and eats fast food," Ells says. "It's not an easy project but very worthwhile."

The new purchasing policy isn't expected to affect costs overall because items may be cheaper while others prove more expensive.

The program reflects Chipotle's "Food With Integrity" tagline, which touts the chain's commitment to serving naturally raised meats.

Chipotle operates 730 restaurants throughout the U.S. The local-sourcing program will apply to any new stores the chain may open.