Here in Michigan, summer means food trucks roll out and start serving fresh, fun takes on to-go food. Whether stationed season-long or popping up at the farmers market, food trucks are some of our favorite ways to enjoy local eats. Here are some that have caught our attention this summer:
“We recently went to Bear Creek Organic Farm in Petoskey to stock up on plants for our garden, but you can’t miss the food truck while you’re there. Their best item on the menu is actually a condiment: the Black Garlic Everything Sauce. Luckily, it’s on their burger, pasties, French fries, onion rings, and kale salad, and available in the market itself, so it’s easy to indulge!” – Claire Butler, Content Strategy Specialist
“Little Fleet is the spot when it comes to food trucks and great cocktails in Traverse City. Whether you’re looking for lunch or a casual dinner, you can enjoy delicious food from their rotating lineup of 5+ trucks. There are always the longstanding favorites, like Cordwood Barbecue and Traverse City Pizza Co., but don’t miss trying out some of the newest trucks on the scene, too. Many greats have had their start here. While you’re nearby, head to The Coin Slot just down the street for local flavor from Full Send Ramen, they use delicious local meats from Anavery Farm! ” – Tricia Phelps, CEO
“My food truck pick is a little bit different because it’s a nonprofit that serves the most vulnerable in my community of Ypsilanti. Fed Up Ministries was created by Rev. Anna Taylor-McCants in 2020 and serves ‘good, healthy, food truck-style food with dignity to communities that are food insecure and economically exploited by unjust racial and economic systems in the United States.’ I first met Anna as part of a diverse group of concerned community members in 2023. Admittedly, I’m often skeptical of faith-based outreach programs because in my experience, they can skew toward saviorism, splash without substance, and even additional exploitation. But spend five minutes with Pastor Anna and you’ll realize she’s the truest definition of someone who practices what they preach…literally.
Unfortunately, while Ypsilanti City and Township are great places, both have a lot of racial and economic disparity. The impact of this is an acute housing crisis. FedUp feeds our homeless community, no strings attached, week after week, and provides many of their guests with employment too. You can also hire them to cater events or for lunch at your office. Recently, Anna was surprised on the Kelly Clarkson Show with a $100,000 award from Pilot Pen, which she plans to use to build a building for FedUp and their staff. FedUp reminds me of everything I love about the power of food: community, creativity, care, togetherness, and passion.” – Erika Tebbens, Director of Impact