The Nest now has its own food truck.

That’s right, CACTC’s culinary and graphics department collaborated along with the Rhode Island Department of Education to made this happen. As of October 19th, Culinary oversaw the arrival of their very own food truck, courtesy of RIDE (Rhode Island Department of Education). The truck’s exterior was designed by Cranston West’s very own senior graphics student, Lindsay Levine.

Levine, class of 2024, was approached by graphics teacher, Regina Hogan, in May of last school year. She was given the opportunity to create a logo and a design for the food truck. The process of creating the design took Levine about a week, however, the process of finalizing the idea and getting it approved extended beyond that.

“When I found out, I was like ‘wow that’s a big deal.’ I was kind of in shock,” said Levine, after she found out her design was finally being put on the truck. Her inspiration for the design came from the overall school spirit Cranston West has, as well as the mascot.

Levine stated, “My teacher wanted me to do like a buff falcon, so it’s like a friendly vibe.”

Chefs Ashlee Princevalli, Anthony Votto, and Jess Barresi will be overseeing the process of getting the truck up and running. Before they can start cooking, the truck has to be approved by both the health department and the fire department. Unfortunately, this process can take a few weeks to a few months to complete.

Chef Princevalli said, “Hopefully within a month or so, we’ll have it up, but that’s to be determined.” As the process continues, Entrepreneurship teacher Craig Hughes and his students will work with the Culinary Program to manage the truck from a financial standpoint and may work with them on promotions and marketing. The menu for this exciting new addition to the program has yet to be decided.

“We haven’t decided yet, but we’re gonna try out a few things, and see what sells,” said Chef Princevalli, in regards to the menu. Chef Barresi added, “We’re definitely going to utilize a rotating menu, depending on what we have and what we can get.”

Courtesy of RIDE, Cranston West was one of thirteen schools state-wide to receive a food truck. As of now, there is a very exciting kick-off event scheduled for the beginning of May 2024, where all thirteen food trucks will be parked, running, and selling food.

“All of the schools who were lucky enough to be given a food truck are required to attend,” said Chef Princevalli. “We have to provide one savory and one sweet item, and they expect 10,000 people to attend.”

Each school that received a food truck is required to have the truck running for a minimum of ten years and attend at least one required event each year. Chefs Barresi, Princevalli, and Votto hope to have the truck located at a variety of school events such as pep rallies and games, and on campus as well.

Soon enough, this exciting new opportunity for Cranston West’s Culinary Program will hopefully be available for all students and faculty to enjoy