Food Trucks... How did they become so hip and how can they get hipper?

Food trucks… How did they become so hip and how can they get hipper?

Food trucks are everywhere! Food trucks have been an integral part of U.S. history since the late 1800's. The first food trucks were wagons in New York City where workers, also known as night owls, would buy a meal after the restaurants had closed for the evening. It seems that the food truck craze comes in waves. Much like today, food trucks could be found in major cities such as Manhattan and L.A. throughout our nation's history. Taco trucks became increasingly popular in the 1970’s so much so that L.A. initiated its first mobile food truck application in 1973.

The modern food truck phenomenon has hit an all-time high. They can be seen on city streets, weddings and formal events, at food truck festivals where dozens of trucks line up side by side for a lucky someone's own choosing, and many food truck companies have their own casual dining restaurants as well.

Food trucks come in many different shapes, sizes, and flavors. The Boston Food Truck Alliance serves twelve unique food trucks including Grilled Cheese Nation, Bon Me, and The Cupcakory.

What could make a food truck more amazing?

Pairing it with music education and community outreach initiatives, that’s what!

Savannah Marshall, a music educator and percussionist, has come up with a brilliant plan to combine her love of food trucks, music, and conquering the world with kindness. A graduate of University of Massachusetts Lowell’s music education program, Savannah’s project is called Fresh Beets.

“Fresh Beets will feed, educate and excite the citizens of Lowell, a city I am proud to call my home.”-Savannah Marshall

Fresh Beets is a food truck that will also be configured as a mobile music venue to give local musicians and younger music students a place to perform and music for the greater community to listen to. Along with that, kids will also be able to enroll in free music lessons in exchange for their contribution to the maintenance of the food truck. These students can earn their music lessons by performing a music set, working on the truck, or volunteering with the truck’s community partners.

Fresh Beets already has community partners in Lowell such as Mill City Grows, where the truck’s food supplies will originate. Savannah’s Fresh Beets has also won the 2014 DifferenceMaker Idea Challenge in which Fresh Beets earned a $4,000 award to help kick start the program.