The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) is taking a novel approach to student meals – by introducing food trucks.
On September 8, LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho revealed that four food trucks would be roving throughout the district during the school year, providing a wide range of freshly prepared meals. These meals will be directly cooked on the trucks and made available for students during lunch hours. Notably, the menu aims to capture the rich cultural diversity of the L.A. student population, featuring items such as Korean-style tacos, nachos, and carnitas.
“Lunchtimes are about to get more exciting. The menu, replete with delicious and culturally resonant foods, will remind students of meals they’d share with their families,” shared LAUSD Superintendent Dr. Rocio Rivas. “We’re talking about popular Korean, Thai, and Mexican dishes that many of our students enjoy at home.”
Tommy Lee, a program manager at the nonprofit organization No Kid Hungry, generously funds 80% of the cost associated with this food truck initiative. The California Department of Education is stepping in to cover the remaining 20%.
“As far as capacity, these trucks will be able to deliver cooked meals, cooked in the truck, to 400 students, 400 adults not only in schools but also special events throughout our community,” said Carvalho.
LAUSD has confirmed that the first of these food trucks is primed and ready to hit the roads of the district, signaling the commencement of this unique meal program soon.
BY SUAH JANG [jang.suah@koreadaily.com]
