In early October, IU dining decided to add two new options for students on the Indiana University Bloomington campus. There’s a twist for these options though, they are on wheels: Gloriana’s and Stripes food trucks.
The trucks mainly offer two different varieties of food. Gloriana’s contains American breakfast options including avocado toast, breakfast burritos and churro French toast. On the other hand, Stripes is more internationally based, as it offers dishes including a butter chicken burrito and a banh mi sandwich. Their menus can be found on their social media pages.
The food on the trucks stick to the same system as any other dining hall on campus which is the priority of the food being locally sourced. IU dining bases their menu and nutrition plans off a strict program, NetNutrition.
The primary advantage for students is the ability to pay for their food with CrimsonCash or I-BUCKS in spots on campus where it may be more difficult to find food, such as on their way to class.
Student Supervisor Ian Gifford said one of the main goals for the IU food trucks was to place them in areas that will most benefit students. Gifford says they were aware of some “food deserts” throughout campus, especially near Showalter Fountain, Ballantine Hall, and the chemistry building. The Kelley School of Business is also a “food desert.”
The location isn’t the only important thing however, as Gifford said they have strategic timing for food service, with weather permitting.
IU Student Supervisor Ian Gifford talks about the addition of IU dining’s new food trucks.
Gloriana’s is open from 7:30 to 10 a.m. for breakfast options, and then the Stripes truck will come out at 11 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 to 7 p.m. for lunch and dinner.
“We plan to stay out for the winter months, but with (inclement) weather, it could vary,” Gifford said.
Students can follow food trucks locations and time schedules on IU dining’s social media pages.
The food ideas originated from many of the restaurants inside dining halls already located on IU’s campus, such as the Traveler at Goodbody. The difference is the convenience for students.
“It’s [Gloriana’s menu] a lot different than anything the dining halls have, which makes it really good,” said IU freshman Emily Maersch.
The food trucks based their menus off of previous food items, but added some options to each meal, especially since they did not want students to be stuck eating the same thing.
IU freshman Emily Maersch talks about her experience with Gloriana’s food truck.
And while the food trucks are still currently a work in progress, IU has many more plans ahead.
Gifford said they may switch out items if one isn’t as popular as the other, and late-night options could be coming.
However, for now, Gloriana’s and Stripes food trucks are giving students something that’s never been done before right on campus, offering portable options to use their meal plan while on campus and heading to their next class.
