We often share a bite of our meal with friends and family when we dine out at a restaurant. Why not share this bite with someone who isn't at the table? This is the idea behind First Bite Gourmet, a Fort Worth food truck that opened in November. For every item that is purchased from their menu, First Bite Gourmet donates a "first bite" portion to the homeless population of Fort Worth.
At least once a week, owner Robb Jackson drives to Lancaster Avenue to hand out free food to those in need of a meal. While these visits can feed more than a hundred people, Jackson said that he has never had enough food to feed every person that lines up by the food truck.
These words are emblazoned across the back of the food truck: "If everyone gave a little, no one would go hungry. Your first bite can make a difference." This quote came from Jackson's daughter, Kami, who was the inspiration behind First Bite Gourmet. Kami, a student at Le Cordon Bleu Dallas, felt the food that normally goes to waste could potentially feed the population facing hunger.
Jackson decided to give out food straight from the truck, rather than going through an agency. "We wanted it to be organic and genuine," said Jackson. "We know people are hungry, and we can be the means for them to get food."
Jackson said that community support has been amazing so far. Many individuals have expressed a desire to help and have even donated extra money to the cause. Other local food trucks have also joined this mission. On Christmas Day, First Bite Gourmet was accompanied by The Schnitzel Shack for a trip to east Fort Worth.
First Bite Gourmet plans to open a second, larger food truck in the near future. Catch First Bite Gourmet at Clearfork Food Park or Fort Worth Food Park. Their daily location is always published on Facebook (facebook.com/firstbitegourmet) or Twitter (@1rstBiteGourmet).
