Cheesy Indy food truck employing adults with disabilities open for summer
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A gourmet mac-n-cheese food truck in Indianapolis is back on the scene this year, joining a crowded, competitive food on-the-go landscape. However, one thing sets it apart: the truck is entirely staffed by adults with disabilities.
New Hope of Indiana’s Cheese and Thank You food truck is the only-mission driven food mobile in the state to have such a staff prepare, serve and market their product. Starting in 2019, it did so to give disabled adults an opportunity for employment — overcoming statistics and stigma.
About 37% of Hoosiers with disabilities are employed compared to 82% of the community without a disability, according to the 2018 American Community Survey.
“Not only do our team members learn valuable workplace skills, they also become fully integrated in the communities they work.,” said Allison Wharry, CEO of New Hope of Indiana, in a news release. “Community integration benefits us all, as we become more inclusive and welcoming of the diverse needs of people with disabilities.”
Patrons can choose buffalo chicken, BBQ pulled pork among other toppings to add to their meal.
Find where the truck is parked and when it is open on its website.