Brent Barry picked up his iPhone on an early June Saturday morning and scrolled through his Twitter feed. A tweet from National Public Radio caught his attention. Reverse food truck? What is that? Clicked the link.
After reading the story about a Minnesota beer company’s reverse food truck that collected money for local food banks, Barry was inspired.
“It hit me that this was something that we could do,” said Barry, pastor at NorthPark Presbyterian Church.
He immediately shared his enthusiasm for this unique ministry in their community in an email to the session. And his congregation was ready to share in his enthusiasm.
“We have talked a long time about not waiting for the people to come to us. We need to go where people are. People have jumped on board and are excited about it,” said Barry.
By August 24, the church had purchased a truck and painted it to reflect its mission and to attract people when it is out in the community.
Where you would normally see a food truck company name, it reads “Reverse Food Truck – Reversing hunger.”
Starting September 11, the truck will be going to area festivals, grocery stores, and many other locations to accept non-perishable items and monetary donations. The truck is equipped for mobile payments.
The food and monetary donations will go to benefit the Vickery Meadow Food Pantry in Dallas.
“We talk a lot about singing a new song with the old words. The old words are to feed the hungry. This is the new song,” said Barry.