On Wednesday at 11 a.m., the popular NIU tradition of Food Truck Wednesdays returned to MLK Commons, bringing a lively atmosphere to campus. The event, running from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., featured up to 12 different food trucks stationed along Normal Road, offering a wide variety of culinary options for students. In addition to the diverse food choices, the Campus Activities Board (CAB) organized a range of activities, including games and live music, to enhance the experience.
Jennifer Groce, the director of Community Engaged Partnerships, provided insight into what attendees could expect from the weekly event.
"Every week, we rotate a different lineup of vendors, typically ranging from 10 to 12 food trucks," Groce explained. "You can always count on a mix of delicious food, along with fun activities organized by the Campus Activities Board. Some weeks, we even have our athletics department out here, along with our mascot, Mission III. Additionally, Financial Aid provides valuable information and resources. But overall, what you can expect is a great vibe, fantastic food, and a true sense of what it means to be a Huskie on campus."
One of the highlights of the day was the opportunity for attendees to meet Mission III, NIU's beloved huskie mascot, who made an appearance near the CAB table, adding to the excitement of the event.
Parth Chokshi, a senior majoring in sports management, shared his enthusiasm for Food Truck Wednesdays, a tradition he has enjoyed since its inception.
"I’ve been coming out since they first started Food Truck Wednesdays," Chokshi said. "One of my friends is heavily involved in running the event, so I've been supporting it from the beginning. The food is always great, and it’s something I look forward to every week."
For first-year computer science major Delilah Ipina, this was her first time experiencing Food Truck Wednesdays, and she was eager to explore the variety of food options available.
"I think it’s really nice," Ipina remarked. "I’ve never seen some of these food trucks before, so I’m excited to try something new."
This week's lineup of food trucks included popular options like Kona Ice, known for its customizable shaved ice with a wide array of flavors; Got Calzoni, an Italian truck specializing in calzones; and Toasty Cheese, which offers a creative twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich.
Students interested in learning more about Food Truck Wednesdays can visit the Division of Outreach, Engagement, and Regional Development website for additional information. This weekly event not only satisfies appetites but also fosters a sense of community, making it a highlight of campus life at NIU.