What began as a small student-run school cafe project has become Geelong’s newest hospitality van.
Launched this week, the Bittersweet food truck is the extension of an initiative run by Mackillop Education Geelong school students.
Conceived as a way to inspire students to engage with core curriculum, the Bittersweet project began as a cafe at the school in 2018.
The cafe has continued to become more successful since it started, to the point where staff and students began to dream of the possibilities. Thus, the idea of a mobile cafe was born.
Co-principal Skye Staude said the cafe and food truck offered an alternate way to learn traditional subjects like maths and English.
“Measuring, weighing and ordering ingredients help kids build numeracy skills, while planning menus develops market research experience and improves literacy skills,” she said.
“Working as a team also helps develop social and problem-solving abilities.”
MacKillop Education Geelong school offers students who struggle with learning and attendance in mainstream schools the chance to thrive in a safe and supportive environment.
Expanding the Bittersweet project’s operations to include a food truck will see the students engage in a broader range of practical skills useful for future employment.
The senior students also have the opportunity to complete industry courses such as barista training, food handling and safety and first aid.
“The best thing about Bittersweet is that it gives the students self-worth”, said Ms Staude.
“The look on their faces when they are proud of a product they have made or delivered is priceless, and that is what we are trying to teach these students; to have self-confidence, to know they can make a difference to other people’s day.”
