Amid COVID-19 closures, Tulane Dining offers local restaurants a boost

Some New Orleans restaurants that were forced to close temporarily as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic have continued serving customers thanks to a partnership with Tulane University’s foodservice team.

Tulane Dining, run by Sodexo, has been offering dishes from nearby eateries out of a food truck three days a week. Options served through its Eat Local with Tulane Dining program, which began in May, have included Mediterranean and Vietnamese cuisine.

“As a chef, it is extremely rewarding to work with a variety of local food vendors,” Tulane Dining Executive Chef Jason Cope said in a statement. “I’m happy to support local chefs during these hard times.”

Customers have access to hand sanitizer as well as a handwashing station, and signage by the truck encourages proper social distancing.

“We’re averaging 30 orders per day with a great deal of repeat business from staff and students excited for the menu options,” said Alexandra Clancy, a marketing coordinator with Sodexo. “It’s also an opportunity to feed local medical workers since the truck is parked near Tulane Hospital and the Tulane School of Medicine.”