Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Launches Inmate Culinary Food Truck Program

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department is taking a creative approach to rehabilitation with the launch of its newest program: a food truck staffed through the county’s inmate culinary training program. Sheriff Chad Bianco announced the initiative this week, sharing photos on Facebook and emphasizing the program’s mission to break the cycle of incarceration.

The mobile kitchen is part of a certified culinary and barista training program available to inmates at county correctional facilities. Participants learn real-world skills that can help them find employment in the food service industry once released. The program builds on the department’s broader correctional services at Site B, which focus on transitional needs, career and technical education, job readiness, substance abuse recovery, and cognitive behavioral development. Specialized support is also available for incarcerated veterans. The food truck initiative highlights the department’s commitment to rehabilitation over punishment by offering vocational and occupational skills that can lead to meaningful careers. Officials say the food truck will not only provide training but also serve as a community outreach tool, showcasing the positive outcomes of investing in inmate education.

By expanding opportunities for skill development, the Sheriff’s Department hopes to ensure more individuals leave custody ready to contribute productively to society.