Andy O’Brien and Andrew Tuchow, the 24-year old local founders of the Kinetic Food Truck, have an interesting tale to tell. After launching and successfully completing a 2014 Kickstarter campaign, they hit the road in a gourmet food truck for the health conscious, and have never looked back. The vision of their company involves “eating healthier, being environmentally responsible, staying active and being kind.”
When they rolled into Westerville Central High School recently, they were greeted enthusiastically by members of the school’s Vegetarian Club, which has existed for four years. O’Brian and Tushow talked about why healthy food choices matter, what their mission is, and how they got their business started and profitable in its very first year. Then, as if their audience was not already on board, they served up delicious orange kale smoothies and a peanut butter, oat and chocolate protein appetizer.
The unofficial motto of Central’s Vegetarian Club, spearheaded by Advisor Amy Farris, is “Livin’ on the Veg!” Anyone is welcome to attend meetings, whether or not they are vegetarians. They examine the ethical, health, nutritional, environmental and animal rights aspects of choosing a plant-based diet. The group has sponsored events in the building like the Vegetarian Exam Cram session. They have also Skyped with an animal rights activist in California; learned about how to make vegan bakery items with the owner of the Vegan bakery Pattycake; and learned about local foods with the owner of the Northstar Cafe. In addition, they have viewed and discussed documents about food-related issues, and often read and discuss articles about plant-based diets (from nutritional advice to how to deal with rude comments from peers and relatives). Next year they hope to donate time at a local animal shelter; to serve vegetarian meals at a food kitchen; and to “eat more vegan cupcakes.”
Westervillians can find Kinetic at many Fourth Friday events. For more information, please visit http://www.kineticfoodtruck.com/team/#story.