Munchie Musings: CA Mobile Food Association (CalMFA)

CalMFA's logo

Today the NorCal Food Trucks group issued a press release announcing their official, registered formation of the California Mobile Food Association. As mentioned in my post last month (Wondering About Food Trucks Lately?), most of the new, gourmet-style food trucks in Sacramento had severed ties with SactoMoFo. Last week I was invited to meet with all the CalMFA truck owners. As full disclosure to all my readers, I am now assisting the CalMFA.

I have always said that my goal is to see the success of gourmet food trucks in Sacramento, including an easing of ordinances. In my article last month I said that I was not choosing sides. The way I see it, I'm not. I have always been on the side of the trucks. I will say that I now agree with the CalMFA position and no longer can support SactoMoFo in its current form. I don't want to get into the messiness of it. Suffice it to say, I have my reasons.

The CalMFA has asked me to help them in their goals of achieving a cooperative relationship with the cities and neighborhoods of greater Sacramento, restaurants, and local organizations. They have asked me to help them in organizing foodmob events, to help them instead of profit from them. Since we have the same goals, I have agreed.

For those of you who have not seen the press release, I paste it here for you. Please note the number and name of the mobile vendors in the CalMFA.

There is BIG news coming regarding ordinances, events, and more. Stay tuned. As always, I will tell you as soon as I can.

And as an added reminder, you can always book trucks directly (links provided below). Or, if you want a selection of trucks without incurring a fee for booking them, then contact the CalMFA.

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SACRAMENTO MOBILE FOOD VENDORS UNITE

(Sacramento, California, 8/1/2012) Nearly twenty Sacramento area mobile food vendors have joined together to form the California Mobile Food Association (CalMFA). It is a non-profit organization, aimed at creating a supportive ecosystem for local mobile food businesses, driving awareness for local communities/charities & representing the voice of local mobile food operators within Sacramento’s business community.

“Our goal is to work in cooperation with the communities that we live and serve in,” says Chris Jarosz, President.

CalMFA is comprised of nearly 20 different mobile food vendors, all from the Sacramento area and surrounding areas. The association is comprised of mostly food trucks, but has grown to incorporate other “out of the box” mobile concepts including a trailer-based wood fired pizza oven, a tricycle based ice cream brand & even a mobile boutique.

The association has created a “community atmosphere” amongst the mobile vendors, empowering the businesses to educate each other and work as a team. CalMFA is active in our local communities, having planned and executed numerous fundraising events for various non-profits, schools and other local organizations.

“We help the organizations to attract people to enjoy a fun, family oriented event with a selection of great food from a variety of mobile vendors. A portion of our sales is then given back to the organization. It’s a win-win for everyone,” says Jarosz.

CalMFA also serves as a means by which local business owners can collectively foster healthy relationships with local government and fellow businesses.

“CalMFA has worked closely with local city officials, the California Restaurant Association, and local restaurateurs to form more mutually beneficial regulations for the City of Sacramento, “ says Nicki Smith, Secretary.

Lastly, CalMFA is currently planning small and large-scale events, all over Sacramento and its surrounding areas. The organization is highly active on social media, and for event and promotional purposes, operates under the brand- FoodMob.

The organization is steadily growing, as more vendors join from all over California. The current membership of the California Mobile Food Association includes:

· Wicked ‘Wich

· Fuzion Eatz

· Local Kine Shave Ice

· Heavenly Dog

· El Matador

· The Pizza Company

· Miz Shirley Marie’s

· Steak, Rattle, and Roll

· Kombucha Kulture

· Squeeze Inn Truck

· Popcycle Creamery

· Addison’s Originals