Mobile food trailer gifted to Mendocino Unified School District

May 12, 2023

MENDOCINO, CA — On Thursday, May 25, Vice President Sarah Schoeneman and Treasurer Sara Spring of the nonprofit Mendocino Unified School Enrichment (MUSE) turned over the keys of a mobile food trailer to Superintendent Jason Morse. The school district now owns the fully equipped, custom-made vehicle with a motorized roof valued between $40,000 and $50,000.

The trailer provides access to running water with a sink. It contains a refrigerator, a countertop, a warming tray station with trays, a hot plate, a storage area, and a silent generator. The roof rises, and one upper side portion of the trailer can then unlatch outward to provide an open service area for customers.

Sara Spring noted that portable food appliances such as an Instapot and an air fryer could easily be added for more versatility. The trailer, resembling a classic VW bus, is also lightweight and easy to pull. A locked hitch is already attached. Sarah Schoeneman noted that Mendocino High School might well be the only high school in the country with a Dub Box.

The possibilities for the food trailer are endless. Sara Spring recalled, "It was in the 2019 Homecoming Parade. When given the parade theme of TV networks, the seniors chose The Food Network. The Homecoming King and Queen rode in it, and others wore chef's hats."

Superintendent Jason Morse said that the Dub Box would resolve the issue of where to arrange for cooking activities in culinary classes next year since the program's classroom will be part of the gym building upgrade. However, MUSE and Morse clearly stated that the food trailer would be available for any school fundraiser or event.

The Dub Box trailer van, manufactured in Oregon, was donated to the nonprofit by Fedele Bauccio, who owns the Bon Appetit Management Company. Bauccio's company provides food service management on-site to corporations, museums, universities, and specialty venues. The business is dedicated to sustainable practices and operates over 1,000 cafes in thirty-three states.

Although Bauccio's company is headquartered in the Bay Area, he does own a home in the Mendocino area. He had previously donated almost $200,000 of equipment to Mendocino High School's culinary program. MUSE accepted the generous trailer donation right before COVID started, severely limiting its use. Major construction at the high school site has further delayed its implementation.

The role of MUSE in the school district has been all-inclusive. MUSE was created by parents, teachers, and others as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2001 as a stop-gap to severe budget cuts in the district's music program. Over the past twenty-two years, the organization has donated about $1.2 million to multiple programs in all three schools.

During this time, the nonprofit has been remarkably flexible by modifying its mission statement and proposal process to meet the shifting financial needs of the local school district. Over the years, the group has approved and funded the K-8 school library, proposals from teachers and principals, K-8 assemblies, and a part-time art teacher.

As a result of increased art funding from state ballot propositions, MUSE has also contributed to academic activities and athletic programs, some needing considerable funds to update infrastructure. With Bauccio's financial sponsorship for the past few years, the high school culinary program was upgraded with new kitchen appliances, and repairs were made to support culinary hospitality-level courses. A separate MUSE project focused on the renovation of the greenhouse.

The nonprofit has now committed to financing field trips through an endowment managed by the Community Foundation of Mendocino County. During COVID, a sizeable donation from a community member and his corporate employer allowed the nonprofit to supply all students at the three schools with a yearbook. The group also plans to continue grants for teachers.

Sign up for email newsletters