After years of saving funds from events such as the Santiam Dinners, the Culinary Co-Curricular finally had enough to make their mobile food dreams come true. Their new food truck was delivered on Wednesday, October 5, with a crowd befitting the occasion.

“We’re hoping to have it open in Spring or Fall,” said Josh Green, department chair and culinary instructor. “We’re going to start out with small events, like doing concessions at baseball games, to get students used to working in the truck.”

The 2000 Ford E450 was completely gutted and fitted with a professional kitchen. But the culinary department still has work to do. They’ll need to add refrigeration and cooking equipment before the truck can be used to prepare and serve food.

The plan is to eventually have it stationed a few days a week at the Automotive Transportation Technology Center and Health Occupations Centers in Lebanon, as well as have it available on occasion at the main campus in Albany for evening classes. 

The culinary department plans to have a grand opening on the main campus when the truck is up and running, possibly near the end of Spring term. 

“We’re thinking of possibly having a coordinated half-business, half-culinary, one-year certificate for people who want to open their own food trucks,” Green said. “And possibly having food truck classes over the summer to work events. There’s a lot of possibilities.”

Green said no matter what the future holds for their new food truck, “It’s going to be awesome!”