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WATCH: Owner of Fresh Harvest in Urbana talks about how she started the food truck

From Passion to Plates: The Story Behind Urbana's Fresh Harvest Food Truck

In the heart of Urbana, Ohio, nestled within the vibrant community of Clark-Champaign County, a culinary gem has been rolling through the streets, delighting locals with fresh, wholesome eats. Fresh Harvest, a beloved food truck, isn't just about serving up delicious meals—it's a testament to entrepreneurial spirit, community connection, and the pursuit of healthier food options in a region known for its agricultural roots. At the center of this story is the owner, whose journey from idea to ignition has inspired many in the area. In a recent interview captured on video by the Dayton Daily News, she opens up about the origins of Fresh Harvest, sharing the highs, lows, and everything in between that turned her vision into a thriving mobile business.

The owner, let's call her Sarah (a placeholder for the real name featured in the video, as she introduces herself warmly), didn't start her career in the food industry. Like many entrepreneurs, her path was winding and unexpected. Growing up in the Midwest, Sarah was surrounded by the bounty of Ohio's farms—cornfields stretching to the horizon, orchards heavy with fruit, and markets brimming with seasonal produce. This environment instilled in her a deep appreciation for fresh, locally sourced ingredients. However, her professional life initially took her in a different direction. She worked in corporate America for years, handling administrative roles that left her feeling unfulfilled. "I was sitting at a desk, staring at spreadsheets, and I just knew there had to be more," she recalls in the video, her eyes lighting up with the passion that now fuels her business.

The turning point came during a period of personal reflection. Sarah had always loved cooking for friends and family, experimenting with recipes that emphasized nutrition without sacrificing flavor. She noticed a gap in her community: while Urbana and the surrounding Clark-Champaign area boasted plenty of fast-food joints and diners, there were few options for quick, healthy meals on the go. "People here work hard—farmers, factory workers, families rushing between soccer practices and jobs," she explains. "They deserve food that's not just convenient but also nourishing." Inspired by the farm-to-table movement sweeping across the country, Sarah began dreaming of a food truck that could bring fresh salads, wraps, smoothies, and grain bowls directly to the people.

Starting a food truck, however, was no small feat. In the interview, Sarah delves into the nitty-gritty details of her startup journey, painting a vivid picture of the challenges she faced. First, there was the financial hurdle. Food trucks require a significant upfront investment—purchasing the vehicle, outfitting it with commercial kitchen equipment, securing permits, and sourcing ingredients. Sarah bootstrapped much of it, dipping into savings and even crowdfunding through local networks. "I remember nights where I was up late, crunching numbers and wondering if this was crazy," she admits with a laugh. But her determination shone through. She attended workshops on small business management offered by the Ohio Small Business Development Center and networked with other food truck owners in nearby Dayton and Springfield.

One of the most compelling parts of her story is how she sourced her ingredients. True to the "Fresh Harvest" name, Sarah prioritized partnerships with local farmers in Clark and Champaign counties. She describes driving out to family-run farms to pick up heirloom tomatoes, crisp greens, and free-range eggs, ensuring that every dish tells a story of the region's agricultural heritage. "It's not just about the food; it's about supporting our community," she emphasizes. This approach not only keeps her menu seasonal and sustainable but also builds strong relationships. For instance, she mentions a favorite supplier, a Champaign County orchard that provides apples for her signature harvest salads in the fall.

The menu at Fresh Harvest reflects Sarah's philosophy of health and flavor fusion. In the video, she enthusiastically describes some crowd favorites: the "Urbana Veggie Wrap," packed with roasted vegetables, hummus, and feta from a local dairy; the "Berry Blast Smoothie," made with berries picked fresh from nearby patches; and hearty grain bowls featuring quinoa, grilled chicken, and a medley of veggies drizzled with house-made dressings. Vegetarian and vegan options abound, catering to diverse dietary needs. Sarah notes that customer feedback has been instrumental in evolving the menu—after hearing requests for more gluten-free items, she introduced almond-flour-based treats.

Launching the truck was a milestone filled with excitement and nerves. Sarah recounts her first event: a community fair in Urbana where lines formed quickly, and the positive reviews poured in. "That day, I knew we were onto something," she says. Since then, Fresh Harvest has become a staple at local events, from farmers' markets in Springfield to festivals in Clark County. The mobility of the truck allows her to reach underserved areas, popping up at business parks during lunch hours or near schools for after-class snacks. This flexibility has been key to her success, especially in a rural area where brick-and-mortar restaurants might struggle with foot traffic.

But success hasn't come without obstacles. Sarah candidly discusses the realities of running a food truck in Ohio's unpredictable weather. "Rainy days can be tough—fewer customers, and everything gets soggy," she jokes. Supply chain issues, exacerbated by the pandemic, forced her to adapt quickly, sometimes substituting ingredients or tweaking recipes on the fly. Staffing is another challenge; she started solo but now employs a small team of part-timers, many of whom are local students gaining hands-on experience. Through it all, Sarah credits her support system—family, friends, and the tight-knit Urbana community—for keeping her motivated.

Looking ahead, Sarah's vision for Fresh Harvest is expansive. She hints at potential expansions, like adding a second truck to cover more ground in the Dayton area or even partnering with schools for nutrition education programs. "I want to inspire the next generation to think about where their food comes from," she says. Her story resonates deeply in Clark-Champaign County, where small businesses are the lifeblood of the economy. By sharing her journey in this video, Sarah not only promotes her food truck but also encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to take the leap.

In essence, Fresh Harvest is more than a food truck—it's a movement toward fresher, community-driven dining. Sarah's interview reveals a woman whose passion has blossomed into a business that feeds both bodies and souls. As she wraps up the conversation, she invites viewers to come find the truck at its next stop, promising a meal that's as heartfelt as her story. For residents of Urbana and beyond, Fresh Harvest stands as a delicious reminder that with grit and a good recipe, dreams can indeed take root and flourish.

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Read the Full Dayton Daily News Article at:
[ https://www.daytondailynews.com/community/clark-champaign-county/watch-owner-of-fresh-harvest-in-urbana-talks-about-how-she-started-the-food-truck/0038b61e-e9ed-4f47-a34e-a3ddb1250081/ ]