Try This Instead: Food Truck Edition

​What is new?
With the destruction of D-Hall, many JMU students are at a loss when it comes to finding a quick lunch in between classes on main campus. But have no fear, JMU dining has you covered, with the introduction of two new food trucks. 

Location
Both food truck options are officially located in the A Lot on Carrier Drive. For the everyday student, this may sound complicated. In simpler terms, the trucks can be found in the staff parking lot that is behind Maury hall and was once across from D-Hall on the quad side. For the time being, trucks will be staying at these locations rather than roaming about campus like the Starbucks truck which was introduced in 2014. This is because until the new D-Hall is completed, the trucks are meant to serve the needs of students on the Quad. However, in the future, Lakeside and East Campus may be lucky enough to enjoy these mobile meals. 

​Truck #1: Fueled
The most innovative truck is known as Fueled, and unlike many city food trucks, it focuses on fresh and friendly. JMU Dining describes the Fueled food truck as follows:
 
“Fueled is a collaborative project focused on bringing nutritious, local food to the JMU students and business to the Harrisonburg community through an expansion of connectivity and experiential growth.”
 
Many students may find that this is an alternative to the often crowded quinoa and salad bar in the Student Success Center, as it offers some similar options. This innovative way of dining is also similar in some ways to the dearly missed “Let’s Go Local”, that was once a part of D-Hall. In a similar fashion Fueled focuses on incorporating fresh and locally grown ingredients for health conscious students. Because of this truck’s focus on fresh it is a great option for on campus healthy eating and any Trim Thursday reader.
 
Truck #2: Nacho Papi’s
The second truck is titled Nacho Papi’s. This option features Mexican cuisine with some flavorful twists. JMU Dining describes Nacho Papi’s in a much more casual fashion as:
 
“Serving gourmet tacos, nachos and rice bowls.”  
 
Although Nacho Papi’s does have some more calorie laden options, with the right selections this food truck can also be a great spot for a Trim Thursday. Students can order up their choice of rice bowl, salad or tacos in a similar fashion to other on campus Mexican style eateries. These options are then customized in a few different styles including Mexican, Korean and American.
 
However, the aroma of funnel cake that surrounds the truck may be what interests students the most about Nacho Papi’s. This heavenly smell comes from the freshly made funnel cake fries with Mexican chocolate dipping sauce that are available to order. The fries are as delicious as they smell, but considering that they contain 361 calories, this dessert may be best suited for a Treat Yourself Tuesday rather than a Trim Thursday.
 
Helpful Hints for Both Trucks
 These locations operate a bit differently than your usual city food truck spots. Before getting in line, head to the counter to grab an order form to fill out information for your meal. After following this step, students can then get in line. When it is your turn simply hand your ticket to the server and they will pass it on to the chefs. It may also be helpful to know that these trucks offer duke deals for punches, although items can also be ordered separately and paid for with dining dollars or cash.
 
Eating Well at Nacho Papi’s
All Nutritional Information
                                       
Items to Avoid: 

• Nachos

With 300 calories and eight grams of fat these are not the best choice as the basis for your meal.

• Queso Fresco

This cheese option contains 110 calories and eight grams of fat making it one of the least healthy options for customizing your Mexican meal at this dining location.

• Mexican Hot Chocolate/ Chilled Mexican Chocolate

This beverage includes 240 calories and 10 grams of fat that you don’t need. Stick to water instead when trying to be nutritious.
Try this instead:

• Salad Bowl

With only 10 calories and  zero grams of fat this is the healthiest base for a meal at Nacho Papi’s food truck.

• Soft Corn Tacos

Although the salad is the best option, we get that it might not be enough to satisfy your Mexican food cravings. If that is the case, try the soft corn tacos as the basis for your meal with 110 calories and one and a half grams of fat.

• Shredded Jack Cheese
• A great alternative to the queso fresco is the shredded jack cheese. With 60 calories and four and a half grams of fat, this isn’t a perfect choice but is a healthier option and will still add cheesy goodness to the meal.
• Load Up On Veggies  

Lettuce, Kimchi and Shredded purple cabbage can all add to your meal with less than 10 calories.
 

• Don’t Forget: Those funnel cake fries may smell amazing, but try to avoid the temptation. They include 361 calories and 16 grams of fat that add almost no nutritional value to your dining experience.

 
Eating Well at Fueled
All Nutritional Information
 
Items to Avoid:

• Asian Beef

Although still not a horrible option, with 13 grams of fat this is not the wisest choice on the Fueled menu.

•  Roasted Wild Mushrooms

Again, not the worst choice, but in comparison to the other veggie’s available, you can make a better choice. With seven 70 calories and seven grams of fat, consider picking another veggie instead.

• Sriracha Mayo

This choice really is not the smartest one. With 310 calories and 32 grams of fat for only two ounces this is not a healthy choice, especially with other great sauces available.
Try this instead:

• Grilled Sesame Tofu

Perfect as a vegetarian friendly option, with only 120 calories and five grams of fat, while still offering 10 grams of protein, this is a great choice.

• Red Curry Grilled Chicken

Not into the meatless scene? That’s ok, try this unique chicken dish with only 170 calories and 25 grams of protein for your meal.

• Vegetables  

To substitute for the Roasted Wild Mushrooms, Fueled has plenty of great vegetable options available. This includes Broccoli, Carrots, Napa Cabbage and Kimchi which are all under 10 calories, so load up.

• Soy Ginger Vinaigrette

As an alternative to the Sriracha Mayo, consider the Soy Ginger Vinaigrette as a sauce, this still offers loads of flavor, but at 70 calories per serving and zero grams of fat, this is a better option.
Drink that H20

• Just as you usually would when trying to be healthy, stick to water for your beverage to stay hydrated and save your calories for nutritious food.

 
A Trend Across the Country
Although food trucks have privately been flooding the areas around college campuses for a few years now, the inclusion of such services within a college dining program is more innovative. Recently in an effort to compete with outside food sources colleges have been offering the flexible option themselves. Although JMU is using food trucks for a transition period, they are not alone. It was recently announced that Dartmouth would also be introducing a food truck to aid with a transition. Hopefully in the coming months, students will not only enjoy the convenience of food trucks on campus, but make healthy choices with their meals there as well.