Food truck events have gone virtual because of the COVID crisis. Now, this does mean ordering online in advance, no more walk-ups for the time being. Never would have thought I would be nostalgic about waiting on line for iced coffee or an order of Friskie Fries, but I kind of am. (Also, if you’re looking for a gem of an underrated movie to stream this month, I strongly suggest 2014’s Chef, starring Jon Favreau, which tells the story of a chef who leaves a tony restaurant in LA and launches a food truck.)

It’s also a welcome excuse to get out of the house this season and enjoy all our favorite street foods again, safely. (Masks and social distancing are, of course, required right now.)

One item on the menus of every truck that’s part of PVD Food Truck Events that you might NOT be aware of?

A way to give back.

Let me explain…

I say this because Eric from PVDFTE — in partnership with the many mobile eateries that are part of his pop-ups around the state — has added in an option that allows all of us to go on and buy meals for first responders and healthcare workers (also to benefit various non-profit organizations) across our state.

Easy peasy to say thank you, to lend a hand, with just a simple click from your smart phone or laptop.

To date, they have donated over 4K to feed not only those individuals who have been working tirelessly to take care of RI’ers impacted by this virus, but also those who may have found themselves in dire need, including: staff at RI Hospital, the medical teams staffing several COVID test sites, and a shelter in Warwick that’s under the House of Hope CDC umbrella.

The great news is twofold - first, this is just the beginning of food truck season around these parts, and second, there are three more chances this week alone to be part of it. Donations start at around $5. For complete details, please check out the PVD Food Truck Events Instagram and site.