By: Brittany Nicole La Hue

Homeboy Industries, the Downtown Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization that helps former gang-affiliated and incarcerated people start a new chapter in their lives, has officially launched a food truck! Homeboy Bakery and Homegirl Cafe have been staples in the area for years, and are known for their delicious pastries, rich tacos, unique chilaquiles and dedicated workers, all graduates of the 18-month Homeboy program. Now the residents of LA can get their Mexican food fix to go – and still give back to a worthy cause!

Homeboy Industries celebrated the launch of their very first food truck with a media event at their Downtown LA/Chinatown headquarters. Journalists at food and Los Angeles-focused publications, as well as LA-based food bloggers were invited to come out and enjoy free tastings of the truck’s yummy offerings. In addition, the food truck’s manager and Head Chef Stephen Barkulis was on hand for interviews and to provide more information about the philanthropic endeavor.

When I arrived on the 95-degree sweltering day, I was pleased to see free ice-cold water for all, as well as shaded tables with which to enjoy the food. I walked up to the truck and got to choose whatever I wanted. As a vegetarian, I chose the veggie chilaquiles, although there were several other vegetarian options to choose from (score!). I expected the food to be sample-sized, but no – I got a whopping plate of vegetable chilaquiles to enjoy.

Vegetable chilaquiles – drool!

The chilaquiles were so good – fresh chips, savory fajita vegetables and creamy panella cheese. They were pretty spicy, which was a pleasant surprise. My boyfriend, who accompanied me on this foodie adventure, ordered the carnitas-based “Carnitaquiles,” topped with apple tomatillo slaw, cilantro, salsa roja, crema fresca and cotija cheese. Other tempting lunch offerings include tacos, the “Homeboy Joe” (a Mexican twist on the Sloppy Joe) and sides like Peruvian beans and crispy roast potatoes. The truck is also open for breakfast, serving up breakfast burritos, egg sandwiches, pastries and even more chilaquiles.

Just when I thought I was going to explode from fullness, Head Chef Barkulis came by, handing out full-size sides of Mexican corn with sour cream and paprika. Mexican corn is my FAVORITE, so of course I couldn’t say no. Good thing I had a flowy skirt on!

After the delicious meal, Homeboy Marketing Manager Luke Phillips gave a quick speech thanking everyone involved in the launch of the truck, and formally declaring it open for business. One of the cooks on the truck gave a short but impassioned speech about how, after serving 15 years in prison, Homeboy Industries gave her a new chance at life. After all, these people are what the food truck is all about – all proceeds from the food truck go back into Homeboy’s social programs, including job training, education, legal services, tattoo removal and more.

Eating for a good cause – what could be better?

You can check out the menu HERE and find the truck at their calendar of locations HERE.

Food truck team!

Fat and happy.