Whitson’s Donating Food Truck to New Britain Schools
By Robin Vinci | EDITOR at September 29, 2023 | 6:30 pm | Print
New Britain Schools will soon have something special. Whitson’s Culinary Group is donating a mobile food vehicle to the school system.
“It is a mobile feeding unit that was used to feed the New York Jets for awhile at their facility,” said Jeff Taddeo, Whitson’s district area manager. “It is a fully capable mobile kitchen.”
The supper program will be expanded. It will be used to reach some areas that are not ordinarily reached for New Britain children who may be in need of meals.
“Maybe we can do some district sponsored events to promote health and wellness and healthy eating habits and things of that nature,” said Taddeo.
It will be manned by Whitson’s who has been working with the City for about 14 years.
“Whitson’s has been a great partner with us,” said Paul Salina, assistant superintendent. “It will be like the food sales trucks that are downtown that can cook and provide food. It can go week to week to serve dinner meals in different neighborhoods and be used for our Back to School Blast. There are all kinds of possibilities.”
“We have great relationship with the board of education and the mayor (Erin Stewart). We wanted to show our commitment to the City and the school district,” said Taddeo. “We are stepping it up a little more. We have some of the largest feeding programs in the State here with our in class breakfast program and whatnot. We are always looking for ways to increase feeding and obviously to have the potential to reach individuals who may not always have an opportunity to take advantage of some of our programs.”
The food truck will be colored and designed as the school district desires. It will have the Consolidated School District of New Britain logo and possibly maroon and gold colors if chosen by the City. There may also have the New Britain Bees logo and anything else related to New Britain.
“Superintendent Nancy Sarra will come up with a catch phrase to put on it,” Taddeo said. “It will be available for whatever we see fit. It will be a positive thing. We have great intentions. I have a lot of experience with mobile catering. The City is excited to be on board.”
Salina said the truck is probably valued around $100,000.
“I don’t know of any other school system who has this kind of truck,” Salina added.
