With mask mandates falling by the wayside as vaccine distribution increases, attendees’ noses were able to appreciate the enticing aromas of barbecue, Asian and vegan cuisine on Saturday. The Original Food Truck Rally, hosted by the High Dive, invited eight restaurants to showcase different cuisines to Gainesville locals.
![Hebni Nutrition Consultants’ Fresh Stop bus will stop in Marion County once a month for at least the remainder of the year. [Graphic by Aubrey Bocalan]](https://snworksceo.imgix.net/ufa/0e95a6df-6acf-4543-a0a2-9acceb3d442e.sized-1000x1000.png?w=1500&ar=4%3A3&fit=crop&crop=faces&facepad=3&auto=format)
Marion Senior Services is offering fresh produce to seniors with sponsorship from Florida Blue.
![The new restaurant opened in late March. [photo by Melissa Hernandez De La Cruz]](https://snworksceo.imgix.net/ufa/ce848d69-2aff-4606-a309-ef787cc418a5.sized-1000x1000.jpeg?w=1500&ar=4%3A3&fit=crop&crop=faces&facepad=3&auto=format)
The new restaurant offers vegan menu items and socially distanced seating.
![Founded in 2011 in Central Florida, Sus Hi Eatstation now has two Gainesville locations. [photo by Kristin Bausch]](https://snworksceo.imgix.net/ufa/5b2949b5-a840-4554-995e-8269eac7b427.sized-1000x1000.png?w=1500&ar=4%3A3&fit=crop&crop=faces&facepad=3&auto=format)
The restaurant sought community advice through Facebook amid setbacks.
![Joseph Scott, 60, stands next to his personal garden at GRACE Marketplace. [Photo courtesy to the Alligator]](https://snworksceo.imgix.net/ufa/39196edc-14c8-4652-9479-b2297238c68b.sized-1000x1000.jpeg?w=1500&ar=4%3A3&fit=crop&crop=faces&facepad=3&auto=format)
The initiative aims to provide homeless people with the natural health benefits of herbal medicines.
Midpoint Park & Eatery provides the community with a unique option for food and leisure.
The iconic hotdog on wheels is hosting a virtual information session Tuesday.
![The new shop is expected to open by June. [Photo courtesy of Butler Enterprises]](https://snworksceo.imgix.net/ufa/b185a7ff-a737-48a4-968a-9a134d56023a.sized-1000x1000.PNG?w=1500&ar=4%3A3&fit=crop&crop=faces&facepad=3&auto=format)
The Italian ice shop is expected to open by June.
The wine bar and specialty market opened Feb. 12.
The Avenue compiled a list of some of the Black-owned restaurants in Gainesville.
Saturday marked the event’s eighth year benefiting charities around Gainesville.
The Gainesville restaurant is now accepting credit and mobile pay with its new charity program.
While Gainesville may be a city landlocked in the middle of Florida, its lively food scene still manages to foster a cult following and rivals its culinary competition around the state.
Vegan students endure teasing and hunger during non-vegan family holiday meals
'Quarantine Quisine' encompasses the year in food
Solutions by The State News
