How Temple Food Trucks Impact Campus Community

At Temple University, the hustle and bustle of campus life does not pause between classes. Students are undoubtedly gathered at a curbside food truck, waiting for a meal that doesn’t just cure hunger, but also sparks spontaneous conversation and a sense of belonging.

Here on campus, food trucks are more than just an everyday food spot, they’re a unique part of campus identity and community. These food trucks have been lining the streets of campus for almost seven decades, bringing students together, representing diverse cultures, and overall becoming a crucial part of student life. With cuisines from all over the world, each truck brings its own unique culture to shar

e with its customers. This creates a way for students to connect with possibly their own cultural background, or experience the authentic flavors of another. With meals ranging from local Philly cheesesteaks, to Jamaican jerk chicken, to Japanese Teppanyaki, there’s always something new to try throughout campus.

And what could be better than fuel on the go other than the time spent and the conversations had with peers. Oftentimes, especially when the weather is nice, a quick meal ends up at a shared table with friends or classmates. Maybe you recognize a familiar face in line and end up catching up while you wait for your food, or maybe you just need a treat and a mental break from schoolwork. Whether you need food on the go, or want to enjoy lunch with some friends, Temple’s food truck community provides a wide variety of options for busy

students to grab a bite. It’s exciting to see students connecting with locals and sharing experiences that extend beyond the classroom. For some students, regular food truck v

isits

have become a part of their daily campus routines. Their school day just wouldn’t be the same without stopping for a hearty, homemade meal.

While some trucks are newer to North Broad, some have been serving our campus

community for several years in a row, fostering a real connection with Temple students and staff. Vendors always express their gratitude for the support of their small businesses with a smile and friendly conversation as they hand you your meal. It makes for a positive experience for both the customer and the vendor and keeps us coming back for more. Also, with each order you place, you are supporting a local business, many of which are family-run. Every purchase gives them the opportunity to continue doing what they love while supporting their families. These businesses play a big role in local entrepreneurship, so next time you’re on campus, grab a bite from a nearby food truck to help sustain the community they create. Maybe even give them a tag on your social media story to help spread the word about the good eats they offer.

With food trucks lining the streets of Temple University for over sixty years, there is no

doubt that they have had a lasting social impact on our close-knit campus community. Their

impact extends far beyond a takeaway meal. It reflects Philadelphia and Temple’s diverse population, encourages social interaction, and supports the local vendors in the surrounding neighborhood. These food trucks keep us going during the busy school days and make our campus a lively and exciting place. If you ever find yourself feeling hungry on campus, try a new food truck. There's always one just a few steps away

Curious to learn more about the history behind Temple’s food trucks? Read more about it here.

Looking for a specific truck at Temple? Explore the map of food trucks here

Jessica Conlow

Junior, Graphic Design Major

Tyler School of Art and Architecture, Temple University

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