Drexel University Responds to Food Truck Controversy: What You Need to Know

On March 31, Drexel University’s Undergraduate Student Government Association (USGA) put together an open forum with university leaders to address students’ worries about campus food trucks closing or relocating.

Attendees included senior vice presidents Subir Sahu and Brian Keech, Chief of Drexel Police Mel Singleton, and associate vice presidents Karen Lewis and Katie Zamulinsky. They started the meeting by offering context about the current situation with the food trucks and then opened the floor for questions.

The panel recognized the food trucks as an essential part of campus life. They understood students’ concerns but emphasized that health and safety were their main priorities. Chief Singleton shared that the police had been monitoring food trucks for some time, citing past incidents, including a food truck explosion near Temple University in 2014. He mentioned that complaints had risen recently about new trucks outside the Summit building, especially regarding safety for pedestrians navigating busy streets.

In light of these issues, Public Safety felt the need for stricter enforcement of city codes related to all mobile food services on campus. Singleton noted that they have distributed flyers with safety tips and laws in the past.

While Keech and Singleton clarified their intent wasn’t to force trucks off campus, they stressed the necessity for compliance with Philadelphia’s regulations. These laws dictate where and when food trucks can operate, how frequently they must be cleaned, and other operational guidelines. The closure of Pete’s Little Lunch Box stemmed from the inability to leave the truck unattended on sidewalks or streets overnight.

As students voiced their concerns, one senator, Nolan Wazni, questioned why the university focused primarily on food trucks rather than addressing ongoing traffic problems on 34th Street. The panel acknowledged they were aware of the traffic issues but explained that addressing them is a more complex challenge.

Other students inquired about records of past complaints and whether this was a new enforcement issue. While it wasn’t made clear if citation records were public, Keech mentioned that usually, they strive for a dialogue with food truck owners rather than issuing citations.

Claire Toomey, a Drexel student, raised a question about supporting Pete’s and other trucks in maintaining their spots. Keech shared that they had considered creating designated parking areas for food trucks, similar to "Food Truck Alley" on Ludlow Street. However, these ideas are still in the planning stages, needing cooperation from various stakeholders to become a reality.

Throughout the discussion, panelists reiterated they were not booting food trucks off campus; they were just ensuring compliance with existing laws. They urged students to engage with city officials like District 3 councilmember Jamie Gauthier and the Philadelphia City Council about these regulations.

The conversation reflects a broader sentiment among university communities facing similar challenges regarding regulations. A survey conducted by the Food Truck Association revealed that over 60% of food truck owners reported feeling threatened by local regulations, which can impact business viability. As universities look to foster vibrant campus cultures, balancing safety and commerce will be an ongoing challenge.

For more information on city regulations regarding food trucks, you can refer to this Philadelphia law.

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