Using cuisine to connect cultures

Oct. 14—A New Lodi is hoping to bring cultures from around the world to the city through the power of food.

The nonprofit organization is hosting its very first Multicultural Food Truck Festival at The Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Oct. 21.

"Initially, we were just thinking about hosting a picnic and having people gather at a local park," Pastor Nelson Rabell, the event organizer, said.

"We were gong to invite people to bring dishes from their own culture. But then we thought, if we do that, we won't have any control over (food) safety and things like that. A New Lodi is always looking for ways to promote unity, and this created an opportunity for a multi-cultural food truck event."

Rabell, co-founder of A New Lodi and pastor at Iglesia Luterana Santa Maria Peregrina in Stockton, said the event is not focused on raising funds, as only the food vendors will be making money during the daylong festival.

Rather, the day is about bringing the community together, which is the heart of A New Lodi's mission, he said.

"On one hand, it's fun," he said. "But it's also educational, and we're inviting people to explore the variety of culture we have in the region. This metropolitan area in Lodi and Stockton is one of the most diverse in the state, as well as the nation."

Several food trucks are planning to attend the festival, offering up Mexican, Asian and BBQ, among other fares.

Rabell said each truck will be offering a different food so attendees can have a variety of choices, and so vendors who sell the same plates are not competing with one another for clientele.

He's hoping the festival can potentially evolve into an event similar to those held in larger cities such as Berkeley, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Sacramento.

"We want to showcase Lodi and make it kind of a destination city," he said. "What better way to do that than with food?"

Unlike other food truck events that have been held over the last few years, next weekend's will not feature entertainment or craft vendors.

Rabell said the plan is to start small, focusing on bringing the community together, learning about one another, and enjoying food from around the world.

He said the organization is grateful to St. John's for offering the church as the festival' location.

"They have been a sponsor of our Pride event, and we asked them if they could help us with this," Rabell said. "They're always willing to help."

Several members of A New Lodi will be present for those who want to learn more about the organization.

"We would love for people to come out and support our effort," Rabell said.

"If you want to know what we're about, we'll be there. But more importantly, come and enjoy the food."