The Washington State Food Truck Association has partnered with the city of Kent to bring food trucks downtown to the Town Square Plaza, 426 W. Smith St., starting Wednesday, Sept. 20.

This location was chosen by both city planners and a handful of local food truck owners, and will offer food trucks the ability to park in the plaza on weekdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to give downtown some new energy and bring unique food options to the area, according to a Washington State Food Truck Association media release.

The food trucks hope to see a lot of foot traffic from the Maleng Regional Justice Center, City Hall, the police and fire departments, commuters from the nearby transit station and students from Green River College’s Kent Station campus.

This new opportunity will run as a pilot program to see if this is a viable location and one that is popular with the community. To see which trucks will participate and when, access the schedule via the Best Food Trucks website at BestFoodTrucks.com/lots/profile/828.

In an effort to bring more vending opportunities to the ever-growing population of food trucks, the Washington State Food Truck Association has been working with city planners in many counties to find new and under-served locations for food trucks. Small food truck lots or new designated parking sites can offer a distinctive dining experience because they are more casual than a sit-down restaurant and can bring even very diverse communities together.

Lori Johnson, the director of the state food truck association says “I don’t see why we can’t build on the successes of the Seattle food trucks in other emerging markets like Kent.”

Mayor Suzette Cooke says her staff is excited about new dining options downtown.

“The popularity of food trucks in other cities is well-known. We’re thrilled to bring this new dining experience to Kent,” Cooke said.

For vendors who wish to participate in this new pilot program, you will need to provide: a copy of your King County Health Department annual food permit, a certificate of insurance and agree to the Association’s terms and conditions of the program.

For more information about this new food truck vending opportunity, the Association’s Lot Management Program or how to participate, contact the Washington State Food Truck Association at 360-223-3801 or email lori@wafoodtrucks.org.