HILDA'S FOOD TRUCK

Hilda's food cart.

Hilda's food truck has only 3 wheels and an awning overhead.  But this simple vehicle is her family's livelihood in Nuevo Progreso.  Hundreds of large trucks come through Nuevo Progreso on their way into the United States, but they are detained at the bridge for inspection.  Sometimes the road leading to the customs gate is filled with these trucks; and they have to wait in line a long time to receive permission to proceed.  It's a perfect opportunity for Hilda and others to sell food and drinks to the waiting drivers.

Hilda starts cooking and preparing food after midnight each night.  Early in the morning she is ready to pedal her cart across town to the truck road where she sells tamales, tacos, gorditas, oatmeal breakfast drinks, coffee and soft drinks.  Business was slow the day this picture was taken.  Even though there were many trucks lined up, not many people were buying her food and drinks.  Early in the afternoon she takes her cart back home to rest until time to begin cooking again for the next day.

Apolinar rides his bike alongside the trucks waiting at the bridge.

Our friend Apolinar rides his bike along the same road with coolers on the front of his bike and also on the back.  He specializes in gorditas and tacos which Carla prepares in their house.  Apolinar makes frequent trips back home to replenish his food supply.  He lives very near the road and with his bike he can come and go very quickly.

We admire these people for working so hard and for taking advantage of a great opportunity to sell food and snacks to these truckers.