By Hood Family Farms, a family-owned and operated farm in Bullard, Texas, is launching a new venture: a farm-to-fork food truck that will serve fresh and healthy food made from ingredients grown or raised on the farm or sourced from other local businesses. The food truck, which is named Hood Family Farms as well, is the brainchild of Sara and Jimmy Youmans, who have been running the farm since 2018.
Sara and Jimmy said that they decided to start the food truck after realizing that there was a gap in the market for food that was both convenient and nutritious. They said that they wanted to use their farm products to create delicious and wholesome food that would appeal to a wide range of customers, from families and kids to health-conscious and fitness-oriented individuals.
“We want to use real, whole ingredients to serve healthy food, it’s kind of a testament that real food can be delicious and good for you, at the same time,” Sara said.
The Menu and the Concept of the Food Truck
The menu of the food truck will feature a variety of dishes, such as sandwiches, salads, tacos, bowls, and breakfast items, all made with farm-fresh ingredients, such as eggs, chicken, lamb, pork, cheese, honey, and produce. The menu will also include some vegan, gluten-free, and keto-friendly options, as well as some seasonal and specialty items, such as soups, stews, and pies.
The food truck will also partner with other local businesses, such as Sola Bread, Red Moon Farm, and Porch Culture Coffee, to offer bread, organic produce, and coffee, respectively. Sara and Jimmy said that they wanted to support the local economy and community, as well as showcase the quality and diversity of the East Texas food scene.
The concept of the food truck is to provide a farm-to-fork experience for the customers, which means that they will be able to see and learn where their food comes from, how it is grown or raised, and how it is prepared and served. The food truck will also have a transparent and interactive kitchen, where the customers can watch the chefs cook their food and ask them questions.
“We want to educate people about where their food comes from, and how it affects their health and the environment. We want to create a connection between the farm and the fork, and between the producer and the consumer,” Jimmy said.
The Launch and the Location of the Food Truck
The food truck is scheduled to make its debut on February 10, 2024, at the Rose City Farmers Market in Tyler, Texas, where it will serve breakfast and lunch items. The food truck will also participate in other events and festivals in the area, such as the Azalea Trail, the Red Dirt BBQ and Music Festival, and the East Texas State Fair.
The eventual plan is to make the Xchange food truck park in Tyler its permanent station, where it will operate from Tuesday to Saturday, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. The food truck park, which is expected to open in March 2024, will host several other food trucks, as well as a bar, a stage, and a playground.
Sara and Jimmy said that they are excited and nervous about launching their food truck, and that they hope to receive a positive response from the customers and the community. They said that they have already received a lot of support and encouragement from their family, friends, and fellow farmers.
“Based on the response we’ve gotten so far, everybody’s super, super excited to be able to eat local like prepared food, not just buy local, but eat local,” Sara said.