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Indulge in beer-battered halibut and crispy french fries, then grab a charcoal-grilled skewer from another vendor before finishing it off with homemade mango ice cream, all from a church parking lot. The Palo Alto Food Truck Fellowship gathers multiple food trucks in one spot, highlighting the diversity of cuisines prevalent in the area.
Aug. 28 marks the last day of this summer-long event where attendees can expect a variety of food trucks accompanied by live music, activities and newfound connections from 5-8 p.m. Everyone is welcomed regardless of religious affiliation.
Each month during the summer, three to four food trucks from the local community are spotlighted. While the trucks rotate, the common principle never changes. The food trucks are always local, and the food showcases a diversity of cuisines.
“Hispanic, American, Southern, Asian, Indian, there’s no limit to the type of food trucks we invite,” said Scott Dixon, director of operations.
Three food trucks will be featured on Aug. 28 at the First Christian Church, which is located at 2890 Middlefield Road. The first is Pan De Vida’s Latin Food Truck, offering fresh and authentic Latino food, according to the Palo Alto First Christian Church website.
Next, stop by Totoly Burger to watch cooks flip Brazilian burger patties. This family-owned business boasts a wide menu of burger styles ranging from the classic Totoly Burger to the Totoly Frango. The Totoly Frango is a fusion dish of the classic American burger with Brazilian fried chicken substituted for the patty. Totoly Burger also offers chicken and bacon skewers and shrimp and steak skewers.
If you’re looking for a flavorful, fresh-to-order, Southern-style food truck, The Cookout dishes every type of fish you could desire. Depending on availability, you can expect catfish, red snapper, cod, halibut, Southern-style prawns and the fan favorite, crispy fish and chips.
While food is the main priority, the event also serves as a way for local organizations and students to engage with the community. Greenwaste of Palo Alto, a waste management company, sets up a booth at the event to educate people about sorting their trash.
When Ministry Coordinator Michelly Carrasco realized Palo Alto First Christian Church did not appear in any Google results, she knew something had to be done. The Palo Alto Food Truck Fellowship event started as a way to put Palo Alto First Christian Church on the map, but it has since evolved into much more.
For the past three years, the church has delivered on its mission to form more quality connections in Palo Alto while supporting local businesses and organizations.
“We wanted the community to know of our presence and to know there’s a place for them to come to where they can be seen, heard, and loved,” Carrasco said.
The church is the heart of the whole operation, but the food truck owners are the soul. First Christian Church provides the space free of charge and does not charge a commission fee. The church can’t guarantee a steady flow of customers. In the food truck industry, most businesses will require a venue to guarantee a minimum amount of revenue or pay the difference. However, the trucks who participate in the Food Truck Fellowship are unique – they don’t ask for a minimum and are there to support the church’s mission.
“It speaks to (the food truck owners’) heart(s),” Carrasco said. “It’s more about being selfless versus selfish and giving versus gaining.”
To help provide food truck vendors with more business, the church has started distributing bundles of $15 meal vouchers to different groups in Palo Alto. One month, the vouchers went to the Palo Alto Firefighters, and the next month, school teachers. In August, the meal tickets will be donated to veterans.
“People who serve the community don’t get much recognition,” Dixon said. “It’s a great way to honor them as well as help out the food trucks, who have benefited greatly from these vouchers.”
First Christian Church will pause on food truck events after Aug. 28 and restart in May 2026. This period gives members of the church board time to reflect on ways to grow and continue creating a space where the community can enjoy and connect.
“There’s always a sense of reevaluation and reflection each year,” Carrasco said. “We’re always revisiting and seeing what the outcomes should be based on last year.”
Palo Alto Food Truck Fellowship, 2890 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, 650-327-4188. Held Aug. 28 from 5-8 p.m.
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