LCS & INTUIT LAUNCH STUDENT-RUN FOOD TRUCK

Program to Empower Students with Career Skills in Partnership with Intuit and Lynchburg Beacon of Hope

(LYNCHBURG, VA) – On Friday, Sept. 19, Lynchburg City Schools (LCS) unveiled its first student-designed and operated food truck, The Lunchburg Express. Equipped with a fully operational commercial kitchen, the truck was donated by Intuit, the global financial technology platform that makes Intuit TurboTax, Credit Karma, QuickBooks, and Mailchimp. In partnership with Intuit and Lynchburg Beacon of Hope, the new food truck program will help LCS Career and Technical Education (CTE) students develop the technical, financial, and entrepreneurial skills needed to run a business. 

“Lynchburg City Schools is grateful to partner with Intuit and Lynchburg Beacon of Hope to launch this unique student-led food truck program. As the first school division on the East Coast to receive an Intuit food truck, LCS is leading the way in Career and Technical Education nationwide,” said LCS Superintendent Dr. Kristy Somerville-Midgette. 

E. C. Glass and Heritage high school students will manage the roving culinary business alongside their teachers. Students at Dunbar, Linkhorne, and Sandusky middle schools will also have opportunities to explore the food truck and learn about running a business. The program will provide opportunities for learners to explore multiple career pathways, including culinary arts, business, entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, and information technology.

“The Intuit Food Truck Program is more than just a vehicle; it’s a mobile classroom designed to equip students with real-world skills that translate directly into future careers and business ownership,” said Intuit Vice President of Education and Corporate Responsibility Dave Zasada. “By integrating financial literacy and entrepreneurship education into hands-on experiences, we are preparing students for success beyond middle and high school.”

Intuit is providing the food truck, supporting curriculum, access to Intuit products, and a donation to cover operating expenses for the first year. Only seven other school divisions have received trucks from Intuit. LCS will be the first to engage middle school students in the food truck program. The Lunchburg Express offers more than 62 courses for middle and high school students.

“This partnership speaks to how schools, nonprofits, and corporations can work together and strengthen opportunities for students. Lynchburg Beacon of Hope is excited to support LCS students as they embark on this ongoing journey of learning and growth through the Intuit Food Truck Program,” said Lynchburg Beacon of Hope Executive Director Leidra McQueen.

LCS is working to obtain the license that will allow students to prepare food in the truck for commercial purposes. Starting in the spring, you can expect to see The Lunchburg Express serving up delicious eats at various community events. 

“The Lunchburg Express presents opportunities to engage students in an authentic way using the skills they’re learning in the classroom for years to come,” Dooley said. “It’s a chance for students to feel a sense of pride and accomplishment in what they’ve created together. When people see our food truck out in the community, it’ll be a testament to the hard work, passion, and expertise of our students.”

For more information, contact Austin Journey at journeyat@lcsedu.net or (434) 515-5068.