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Food Truck Frenzy at Stratford High School

By Bayle Goldman, Stratford High School, School Buzz Editor | March 30, 2017

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Juniors Ellie Gex and Julia Gelber enjoy tacos and a nice lunch outside on Food Truck Friday. Both friends take advantage of the opportunity to sit outside for a change on special occasions like this. (Photo: Presley Graves)

In recent years, the food truck industry has been on the rise. Going to a truck is a quick, easy way to grab a variety of eats that vary from doughnuts to gourmet Greek. On Friday, March 24 students and faculty at Stratford High School enjoyed lunch outside during the 4th Food Truck Friday. Food Truck Friday was started by Student Council at the end of the 2015-2016 school year.

“It was an idea that the current executive board of Student Council planned with the previous board,” explained StuCo Vice President Anna Skelly.

This special occasion occurs nearly once per six weeks, and offers a chance for students to not only enjoy a change in their lunch diet, but also spend some time outside. The first Food Truck Friday lasted the regular 30-minute lunch time. However, by the end of lunch, lines were still very long, with many students having not eaten yet. After speaking with the school administration, Skelly and her fellow executive board members were able to get special changes made for Food Truck Friday. Now, 5th period is cut short, which allows lunch to last 45 minutes, resulting in both students and faculty having time to eat.

Several trucks, including regulars Frosted Betty’s and Cousins Maine Lobster, arrive 1-2 hours before the first lunch period and park in the senior lot before preparing meals.

Though it may seem easy to have a couple food trucks pull up to school every once in while, Skelly says there is plenty of work that goes into planning this privilege.

“About a month before the event I call every food truck to see who can come, and then I frequently email them after to remind them. It’s also a lot of advertisement: basically making posters to notify students and silly social media posts. And talking to the cafeteria people to make sure they know not to make as much food that day,” says Skelly.

There is no cost to schedule the food trucks, which is an advantage for the school.

“We have a system with the food trucks: we do not pay them any money, but they are registered as a SBISD vendor. We do not make any money off of it- it’s purely a school spirit function,” said Skelly.

The response from students has been strong. Students enjoy the special privilege and nice change in schedule.

“It’s fun to get outside for lunch, when we’re usually cooped up in the cafeteria, and eat something new and different. I love the Greek food truck; they have the best gyro sandwich!” remarked sophomore Charlotte Benes.