EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – As the sun begins it’s journey over the Borderland, a lone local food truck already has a spot on the corner of Mesa and Fourth Avenue.
As the chrome and white truck sits, gleaming with the rays from the rising sun, migrants begin making their way to the now familiar Juanita’s Food Truck.
With 18 years serving the Borderland on four wheels, Owner Claudia Ivarra says her sales have gone up because of the current migrant influx in El Paso.
Ivarra says she sees migrants who have arrived with very little, with their children in tow. And that’s what spurs her generosity.
“In reality there’s some that don’t have the necessities or children, there’s been children. Yesterday actually, two kids came by, I know they have parents, but they’re kids, and I said yes have some burritos, go and eat right? Because they are kids and with them, I do give them free food,” said Ivarra.
Seeing the hundreds of migrants spend their days and nights around Sacred Heart Church, Ivarra says it reminds her of the time when she was a migrant and how long it took her to get where she is now.
”As much as they help me economically, I am also helping them. Other than sleeping in the streets. I do see that they come and go. More up north because truthfully, they all have a purpose to go to Chicago, New York or Los Angeles.” said Ivarra.
Of her menu, Ivarra says Venezuelans are not a fan of spicy food, so she offers them breakfast burritos with eggs or beans.
“They love their coffee too. By 7a.m. all my coffee is gone.” said Ivarra.
While Ivarra has no plans to open up a restaurant in the near future she says she rather drive her food truck. Mostly because she enjoys watching her customer’s faces light up when she drives to her local spot.
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