A Lafayette food truck park adds a farmers market

Sign-Up for a free subscription to The Black Wall Street Times‘ daily newsletter, Black Editors’ Edition (BEE) – our curated news selections & opinions by us for you.

LAFAYETTE, La. – The strength and tenacity of the Black community in South Louisiana is inspiring.  Louisiana native and married couple, Chris and Andrea Amos founded Parc De Oaks in 2019 and began operating the food truck park in 2023.

Located on the historic Northside of Lafayette, the family is making sure to be intentional about their moves. 

According to a Northside Community Assessment Engagement Report, community members feel there is a lack of community-based organizations, healthy grocery stores, and youth activities to help the Northside thrive. So, the couple decided to be a part of their community’s solution. 

The Black Wall Street Times spoke with Chris and Andrea Amos about the new addition of the farmers market.

“We have brought a sense of community. A gathering place for people to come out and have fun in a safe environment. We strive to keep our Afro-Creole culture alive. Thus, the name Parc De Oaks,” Amos said. 

Combatting food deserts and collaborating in North Lafayette  

Only four full-functioning grocery stores are spread out on the Northside of Lafayette. Two of them are not in safe walkable areas.

The nonprofit organization, Feeding Louisiana, estimates that 683,110 people in Louisiana live with food insecurity. Community initiatives like Fightingville Fresh Market and Parc De Oaks’ farmers market fight against food deserts in North Lafayette.  

The Amos couple shared, “We are currently in a food desert. We wanted to give our community access to fresh produce.” The farmers market for the community was necessary. The pavilion will bring local farmers, planters, herbalists, and community members together. 

Engaging with the community is vital to the Amos family. Parc De Oaks collaborated with the Sigma Gamma Rho sorority for a cook-off, McComb-Veazey Neighborhood Coterie, and was featured as a business of the week at local schools. 

Related Stories

• Louisiana judge on unpaid leave after video airs of her saying N-word; blames it on sedative
• Emerson Montessori Concerns Northside Residents
• Passing the CROWN Act frees Black hair from discrimination
• Gabe Amo becomes first Black Congressman from Rhode Island
• Oak Lawn Test Excavation Canceled, Rolling Oaks Agrees To Investigation

Proud of their Louisiana Creole heritage 

Chris and Andrea Amos are grounded and inspired by their Louisiana Creole culture.  

“We are proud of our Louisiana Creole heritage. There’s nothing like it in the world. We strive to keep it alive,” the couple said.

Parc De Oaks plans to build a community garden and butterfly garden. In addition, they hope to partner with food truck businesses for community cooking classes.