Food trucks have hit mainstream, popping up in cities of all sizes across America.
But this "food truck" is different. Truck Farm Chicago is a nonprofit organization
that uses a 1994 Ford F-250 named Petunia to chauffeur a miniature, educational farm around town.
Petunia is "geared" (get it?) to educate Chicago youth and families about
healthy eating. Your education includes a short tour of the farm, plant identification, taste tests, and
sensory exploration.
"I was excited about this project as a fun, unique and creative way to
bring gardening and nutrition education to children all over the
city—especially those who may not otherwise get to see how food grows up
close,” co-founder Shari Brown says.
"Making healthy choices can be challenging,
especially when good fresh food and education about why it's important
and how to cook it is not always accessible. Truck Farm is trying to do
our part by using our exhibit to spark these discussions, give youth the
tools to make healthy choices, and inspire them to use their own
creativity to encourage healthy changes in their communities."
