LAST YEAR, the holiday season was extra joyful through the efforts of Tullahoma food trucks as they took time to serve those who were alone or working during the holiday. The first event was called Trucksgiving. Together, the Tennessee Sliders and Whiskey Waffle food trucks fed over 100 people with their own food, desserts from Mama B’s Cheesecake, and community donations. The second event was Merry Truckmas. The Sammich Shack and Whiskey Waffle again partnered with Mama B’s Cheesecake to serve over 200 community members for free. While it was a multi-truck initiative, Rebecca Cooper of Whiskey Waffle organized and planned the events.
“I’ve always known that you are supposed to earn money to survive but also to use it as a tool to help other people,” Cooper said. “I always thought we would have to go somewhere like Nashville to really make an impact, but then it hit me. It doesn’t have to just be homeless people. We can do it right here in our town for anyone who may be alone for the holidays, sick, or just can’t afford a home-cooked meal on Thanksgiving.”
Cooper had the idea to get the other food trucks involved, as their mobile kitchens would allow them to be in multiple places for those who might not be able to travel. Community members and businesses also stepped up and donated turkey, ham, bread, and other foods. Some just donated money, which was split among the participating food trucks.
“We have gotten so much encouragement,” Cooper said. “The community has been great with helping us spread the word.”
As someone who grew up less fortunate, Lisa Womack of The Sammich Shack said it has always been important to her to help take care of anyone in need – especially those who need meals.
“It was definitely a no-brainer when Whiskey Waffle asked us if we wanted to participate,” Womack said. “I hope that next year, more food trucks join in.”
More food trucks are just the beginning of Cooper’s plan. She said her dream is to spread Trucksgiving and Merry Truckmas to other towns, serving their communities and hopefully helping people feel less lonely and feeding them.
Serving others was the whole reason Treva Baker started her food truck, and Tennessee Sliders was happy to be involved in Trucksgiving.
“Being in a small town, the best thing to do is just give back to the community,” Baker said. “Not only that — just helping people who are in need is a great blessing.”
The ability to work with other food trucks was also a blessing.
“It has grown so quickly and so fast — our little food truck community here locally,” Baker said. “Just the help that we get from each other, [and] the support we get from each other [is] hands down amazing.”
Baker said the food trucks were set up in the homeless communities and also stopped to serve first responders and every gas station they saw open. The only goal was to bless other people.
“You give some, you take some, you give it back,” Baker said. “It’s just great to be able to help others. Hopefully, by seeing this, others will see it and step up and help people.”
There will be plenty of opportunities to do just that, as those involved want to make Trucksgiving and Merry Truckmas larger, annual events. Cooper said she is also looking to start another event to serve the Tullahoma community.
“I am not 100% sure what the next event will look like, but my mind keeps going toward kids going back to school,” Cooper said. “I think I would like to base it around making sure kids have enough school supplies and new clothes before they go back to school. I haven’t got all the details figured out yet, so stay tuned.” GN
