Food trucks have gotten very popular in my neck of the woods recently. They are a great way to serve food at festivals and conventions. A food truck in New York City is making a big difference for people getting out of prison.
Drive Change is a non-profit in New York City that hires ex-convicts to help them get back into society. This award-winning food truck is called Snow Day; they make salty and sweet grilled cheese sandwiches with maple syrup.
The founder, Jordyn Lexton, likes to give young people a chance at a fresh start when they are getting out of the criminal justice system. Roy Waterman, director of engagement, said that convictions will follow young people for the rest of their lives.
Former inmates ages 17 to 25 are offered yearlong paid fellowships. During the first phase, they are paid $9 an hour. They get their safety licenses and mobile vendor licenses. They are trained on how to do the job.
Once they are trained, they start making $11 an hour. They are trained in every aspect of the operation, from cashier duties to head chef duties. During the last phase, they are still training, but they move on to other restaurants. Drive Change keeps paying their wages even though they are working elsewhere.
If we want to keep ex-cons from committing more crimes, we need programs like this. How are they supposed to stay out of crime if they can’t get a legitimate job?
There are some other options for ex-felons though. They can start their own business. The military is starting to let some ex-cons in as well. They even offer felony waivers for soldiers convicted of assault, burglary, drug possession, and other crimes.
The construction industry is another good option. Background checks are not as strict on those jobs. With some training and/or licenses, felons can learn a trade and get themselves back on their feet after getting out of prison.
Featured image a screenshot via NFP Productions video via YouTube.
