Making a Community of Food Trucks

By Karen Atkinson

“Look Mommy! It’s a food truck,” exclaimed a wide-eyed toddler at the South of the James Farmers Market last summer. I had to smile as I reflected on the fact that terms like “Farmers Markets” and “Art Walks” were the new buzz words when my, now seventeen year old, son was the same age. Richmonders seem to embrace national trends at our own pace, but when we do it; it is with a level of intense support and excitement.

It has been thrilling for me to have had the privilege of being at the forefront; watching these groundbreaking endeavors grow locally, and over the last year be an intricate part of the whole food truck/cart culture. Carts, which were traditionally only found downtown at lunch hour, are now featured with trucks at breweries, museums, farmers’ markets, and art events. People are looking into new ways of selling food and products and what could be better than a truck (find out more about trucks online). It can work as a mobile restaurant and generate more revenue and profit than an on-site eatery. And more excitement is rolling into Greater Richmond this spring season.

Food truck courts and events have brought friends and neighbors together weekly. They have fostered and created new community partnerships and relationships. Their existence has caused the city to create a new ordinance; expanding marketing territory, and providing a process for food truck courts. Moreover, with the availability of truck repair service easily, food trucks never seem to be off the road, hence bringing more people together. “‹According to Mark Olinger, Director of the Department of Planning and Development Review for the City of Richmond, “Food trucks have been welcome in the city.”

Through GrowRVA’s involvement with this new breed of chefs and entrepreneurs; Greater Richmond will see new cutting edge concepts that will be introduced this spring. With the revenue generated from all the food truck events last season; GrowRVA has been able to establish FeedRVA, a nonprofit that will help bring to the Richmond/Tri-cities area, food justice –defined as: communities exercising their right to grow, sell, buy and eat healthy food. According to Tim Murphy, Head of Operations for GrowRVA, “FeedRVA will be able to provide a match for consumers on SNAP (Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program). If a client takes out ten dollars on their card, they will be given ten more to spend. More healthy food for them to take home, and more money going directly to the farmers.”

The second is the formation of the RVA Street Foodies. In the spirit of helping grow small businesses; GrowRVA joined with two dessert cart competitors: Paul Cassimus, owner of King of Pops and Malcolm Andress, owner of Soul Ice. “The RVA Street Foodies is a coalition of craft food vendors; united to support Richmond businesses, education, and non-profits to create a positive environment for our community through artful and inspired food,” explains Cassimus. “We feel that working together we can enhance the experience of guests at our courts. By preparing for the event as a group and not just individual businesses, we can create an engaging and fun place for people to go and eat. In such a way, we can also work for the benefit of the community and help support other local business.”

So when you are out and about this spring for this new breed of healthier, fast food on wheels.