EVERYONE EATS. NO EXCEPTIONS.
A community-driven food truck initiative in Wilkes County serving up nutritious meals on a pay-as-you-can basis.
On a mission to ensure everybody eats regardless of means.
Free Meals Served
About Us
Fueled by youth, funded by community, and rooted in dignity.
The Change Wagon isn’t just a food truck; it’s a movement to combat food insecurity in Wilkes County. Operated by WYLD, we provide high-quality, nutritious meals regardless of a person’s ability to pay. By bridging the gap between those who can give and those in need, we create a sustainable, dignified solution to local hunger.
What started as a “what if” dream by the WYLD Teen Action Council became a reality. Our youth identified a critical gap: their peers were going hungry on weekends and summers. They didn’t just want a handout; they wanted a social enterprise where youth drive the vision and adults support the process. Today, the Wagon is a vehicle for prevention, nutrition, and community empowerment.
Our Teen Action Council organizes dedicated Giveback Days—events where every single meal is free to the community.
The Homeless Shelter Project: Our first day served 41 neighbors at the Catherine H. Barber Shelter, where our teens handled everything from prep to service.
The Thanksgiving Giveback: Featured on WXII 12, this event provided hot meals and canned goods to 74 community members.
Ebenezer’s Children’s Home: A special holiday initiative where our staff prepared and served a Christmas lunch for 25 children.
The Change Wagon
More Than A Food Truck
Driven By Purpose
Every meal we serve represents something bigger than food. The Change Wagon was created to bring people together, strengthen our community, and ensure that everyone has access to a warm meal and a welcoming smile. Our team is united by a shared belief that small acts of kindness can create lasting change.
Community First
Whether we’re serving at local events, supporting outreach initiatives, or partnering with organizations that make a difference, our focus remains the same: people. Every member of The Change Wagon team is committed to serving our neighbors with compassion, dignity, and respect.
Changing Lives One Meal At A Time
Behind every order is an opportunity to make an impact. We believe food has the power to bring people together, open conversations, and build stronger communities. That’s why every stop we make is about more than serving great food—it’s about serving hope.
What is Pay-What-You-Can?
The Change Wagon is a Pay-What-You-Can food truck. We have a suggested menu price for the items on our menu. If you can pay the suggested amount, great! If you have a little extra to give, even better. If you have $5 or $2 to give, no problem! If you don’t have anything to give, that’s okay! We ask that you give what you can, but don’t break the bank. We are here to make sure that everyone eats, regardless of means.
How can we invest in this program?
We have several ways you can contribute to The Change Wagon!
One way is to “Pay it Forward”- essentially paying for one extra meal for someone who needs it.
Another way is to become a Change Maker. You can find a link to that here: https://givebutter.com/thechangewagon. These can be donations of any size, a one time donation, or a monthly or annual gift; and would go directly to helping feed folks our community.
Finally, the biggest contribution would be to become a Partner of Change. This is an investment in our program and would help to feed about 200 families or individuals in the county.
For more information, please contact rebekah@wilkesyouth.org.
What is on your menu?
We have recently changed our menu! You can create your own dish! We have over 100 different combinations to choose from!
Each plate comes with a base/starch (rice, mix greens, sweet potatoes, or black beans), a main course/ protein (chicken, steak, meatballs, or vegetarian), veggies (fresh medley or grilled medley), and a sauce (balsamic, bbq, teriyaki, or tzatziki).
We also offer pancakes as well as a seasonal fruit mixture for something sweeter.
These menu offerings are subject to change based on the season. We try to buy from our local farmers and invest back into our community.
What prices are your food?
We are a Pay-What-You-Can food truck. We have a suggested price for our menu items. Our bowls/plates have a suggested price of $15. Our pancakes and seasonal fruit have a suggested price of $5. Again, give what you can, but don’t use all your resources for a meal here.
Where can we find the Change Wagon?
Our schedule is posted weekly on social media. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for information on where we will be!
