September 18, 2024, Lancaster ISD/Lancaster, TX -- Lancaster ISD has been intentional in providing students with learning opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom walls. That intentionality has led to Lancaster High School (LHS) Culinary Arts program introducing a new food truck, allowing students to explore a different sector of the food service industry.
Food trucks can be seen all over the country, providing patrons with opportunities to enjoy delicious foods outside of a traditional restaurant setting. LHS students will learn first hand how these restaurants on wheels function as a low-cost investment as opposed to a brick-and-mortar establishment.
Through the LHS Culinary Arts program, the new food truck will give students real-world experience and the opportunity to create a business that serves people on the go at different locations, such as events, festivals, or even different cities. Additionally, classroom instructor, Chef LaTina Dawn, recognized the anticipated growth in this industry and realized this would be a great opportunity for students to learn more about the food truck industry and business model.
“The food truck business is booming and even if the students are not willing to work in a restaurant, they could one day own their own truck. It also gives them real-world experience,” stated Dawn. “It will allow them to have a different perspective on food service.”
Chef Dawn worked with Lancaster ISD Executive Director of Maintenance, Operations, and Transportation, Roger Oster, to find the best food truck design. Dawn and Oster had the opportunity to view other schools that have food trucks and met with different vendors to ensure that Lancaster’s new learning-on-wheels opportunity not only met inspection requirements but far exceeded expectations.
The Culinary Arts class has been very successful with exposing its students to opportunities that will prepare them for the future, and this addition will continue to push students to accomplish more in the industry. After a breakout year with students competing at the state level in culinary competition, the LHS culinary students are looking forward to expanding their learning opportunities.
“We will be traveling this year for several out-of-town competitions. We plan to take the food truck to show it off and to feed the students and other customers there,” said Dawn.
Culinary Arts students are excited about this addition to the program and share the same sentiments as their instructor.
“I am excited how our team continues to grow. This is going to be a new experience and we are going to be exposed to a lot of new opportunities,” said LHS Senior, Ja’kyriah Thomas. Thomas has been a part of the culinary program since her sophomore year. She is looking forward to preparing steaks as one of her first dishes on the food truck.
Chef Dawn loves the excitement among students in her course and is excited for all the possibilities.
“The students are now competing to see who will be the actual Food Truck Chef leaders of the year. They want to do all their labs on the truck and can’t wait to travel with the truck. Every class has developed a menu for the truck and can’t wait to execute it,” said Dawn.
The LHS Culinary Arts program caters meals for the Lancaster ISD Board of Trustees monthly meetings, and pressbox visitors during home football games. The new food truck will also be utilized for catering opportunities in the city of Lancaster. If you see the food truck around town, don’t hesitate to stop and support our students.
