By Mike Morsch, Executive editor
Scott Belgard has had family members serve in the military, so he’s well aware of mission of the Wounded Warrior Project. But he believes that the organization could use even more help.
It’s all about awareness for Mr. Belgard. That’s why he’s organized the inaugural Food Truck Farm Fest benefit fundraiser to assist service members who have been injured in the line of duty.
The event will be held Saturday, Nov. 7, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Tri County Farm Coop, 619 Route 33, in East Windsor.
It will feature gourmet food trucks and New Jersey fresh produce with a focus on farm to table, sustainability and local agriculture products.
“We’ve had a lot of Veterans of Foreign Wars servicemen and women coming back injured,” said Mr. Belgard. “To me, the Wounded Warrior Project is a noble organization and a most worthy cause to bring to people’s attention.”
Food trucks participating in the event include Mr. Belgard’s company, Pompier Catering and Cuisine, Five Sisters, One Big Party BBQ, Zinna’s, Mexi-flip Tacos, JB Wood Fired Pizza, Crepes and Dump & Roll.
The family-focused event will also include live music by Philios and Nectar Ambrosia; agricultural seminars; and craft beer.
There will be parking at the event, with overflow parking at nearby Hightstown High School.
Mr. Belgard said the hope is that the Food Truck Farm Fest would increase in frequency down the road, with maybe two events next year and maybe four events the following year.
Proceeds from the event will be donated to the nonprofit Wounded Warrior Project to support a full range of programs and services for this generation of injured veterans and their families.
More than 52,000 servicemen and women have been injured in recent military conflicts. In addition to physical wounds, it is estimated that as many as 400,000 service members live with invisible wounds of war, including combat-related stress, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
The mission of the Wounded Warrior Project is to raise awareness and enlist the public’s aid for the needs of the injured service members. For more information about the group, go to www.woundedwarriorsprogject.com.
Volunteers are still needed for the event, which is sponsored by Pompier Catering and Cuisine and the Tri County Farmers Coop. For more information, contact Mr. Belgard at 609-462-5544 or go to www.FoodTruckFarmFest.com.
