“Tawney Tailgate” gives East Providence students real-world experience.

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — East Providence High School’s culinary program is kicking off in earnest with the launch of a new food truck.

Robert Hanlon, director of the school’s Career and Technical Center (CTC), is leading the effort and said “Tawney Tailgate” is a true team effort.

“Graphics students will be creating the wrappers, and culinary arts students will be working on the truck to serve food to customers around the world,” Hanlon explained. “Automotive students will also be working on the trucks. They will be doing oil changes and different types of small-scale services.”

Plans for the truck have not yet been finalized, but Hanlon believes it will be used about 15 times throughout the year. This could include parking the truck outside of sports games or going into the city to serve residents during the summer.

“For students enrolled in CTC, this is an opportunity to work in the real world,” Hanlon added. “This really prepares them for a different level of career that we didn’t always have the opportunity to do. We’re grateful for that.”

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Hanlon said CTC students in East Providence are able to thrive because of support from government officials and the community.

“It’s definitely beneficial for our kids and I’m a huge supporter of that,” he said. “I want to keep this momentum going because it’s amazing to see what kids can do with the right resources.”

Well, the food truck just needs to be inspected before it’s ready to debut.

“We are excited about its arrival and can’t wait until our students open the truck,” said East Providence Superintendent Sandra Folland.

In 2022, the RI Department of Education (RIDE) launched a program that gives schools across the state the opportunity to create their own food trucks. According to RIDE’s website, the Food Truck Initiative “benefits the entire community by providing internship and employment opportunities, games and worksite concessions, participation in community events, and fundraising and community service opportunities.” This is a $1.6 million state investment aimed at “bringing results.”