The Woodlands | March 2023

To meet the highest standards, WWA performs over 2400 WQ tests a year All MUD’s we serve are rated as “Superior Water Systems” by the state

Cousins Maine Lobster has a truck at Grogan’s Mill Farmers Market.

Tristan Bowens runs Uncle Louie G’s Italian Ice at Grogan’s Mill Farmers Market.

which oversees the quality and safety of food trucks in its coverage area according to the Montgomery County Permitting Department. “It’s a test to try to keep up with everything, and we still have the restaurants to inspect as well,” said Ruben Martinez, chief sanitarian at MCEHS. U.S. Census data from 2017-20 showed a continual year-over-year growth in statewide registered food trucks, jumping from 487 to 744 going into the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. While the data has not been updated to reect the pandemic impact on numbers, the Montgomery County permitting department stated in an inquiry from Community Impact there are roughly 400 mobile food vending permits in Montgomery County alone as of January 2023. Permitting department ocials claried that obtaining a hard count of the number of food trucks actu- ally in operation is dicult due to the requirements to move the truck at least every 48 hours to have time to rell water tanks and dispose of waste. Food trucks can also operate in dif- ferent counties, as their mobile nature allows them to go where the business is most needed at any given moment. However, the businesses still need to obtain valid permits from those coun- ties and cities where they operate. Positive impact The inclusion of food trucks at local events also provides opportunities for community bonding and pro- vides an attraction to bring residents out to some events that benet local fundraising ventures, according to event organizers. Several food trucks are in rotation at the weekly Grogan’s Mill Farm- ers Market held at the Grogan’s Mill Shopping Center every Saturday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The market oers an attraction to bring local residents together, and raise funds for local

Growing the industry Food truck locations were growing in Texas even before the pandemic in 2020.

Quality water Quality of life

800

744

657

600

549

487

400

200

2017 2018 2019 2020

SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAUCOMMUNITY IMPACT

scholarships and donations to the Montgomery County Food Bank and other charitable organizations in the area, according to Aaron Hostadter, member of the Grogan’s Mill Village Association board of directors. “We have anywhere from one to three food trucks a week, and, you know, certainly a lot of them have their own following and promote the event and bring a lot of new custom- ers to our market,” Hostadter said. According to Christy Miller, direc- tor of community programming for Oak Ridge North, food trucks are con- venient and fast options for events, such as the upcoming Dogapalooza on March 25 at Marilyn Edgar Park. For Tristan Bowens, operator of Uncle Louie G’s Italian Ice truck at the Grogan’s Mill Farmers Market, one of the many joys of the food truck indus- try is the one-on-one time spent with customers—something he said he feels cannot always be replicated in a busy restaurant setting. “Especially with kids, seeing their excitement ... teaching them how to order and say ‘please’ and ‘thank you,’ just guring it out for themselves and seeing them shine—it’s just a whole- some feeling,” Bowens said.

Moving Forward LUNCH & LEARN

Get steps to simplifying your next move at The Village at The Woodland Waterway®.

Where to Start with the Downsizing Process

Elizabeth Strauss, Co-Owner of All Organized will discuss what to do with all your stuff and how to declutter and organize for your next move.

Selling Your Home and Timing the Market Donald “DT” Thomson of Keller Williams Woodlands will address the current real estate market and tips for presenting your home for sale. Wednesday, April 12 | 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. 2323 Lake Robbins Drive | T h e Woodlands, TX 77380

RSVP to (281) 292-4600 by April 10 HURRY! Seating is limited. Lunch will be provided.

2323 Lake Robbins Drive • The Woodlands, TX 77380 VillageatTheWoodlandsWaterway.com

AL Facility #104849

THE WOODLANDS EDITION • MARCH 2023