Still soaking it all in, Amanda Dale-Lopez — also known as The Foodie Goddess and Vice President of What Hoboken Sounds Like — is overflowing with gratitude after the success of the Inaugural Foodie Fest, a day that beautifully blended food, culture, community, and purpose.
Rooted in inclusivity and autism acceptance, the event was more than just a celebration of local flavors — it was a powerful reminder of the strength and love within our community. Amanda opened the day with heartfelt remarks, setting the tone for what would be an unforgettable experience.
Councilman Ruben Ramos also took the stage, delivering a moving speech in which he shared his personal experience as a father to a child with autism. His words added a deeply meaningful layer to the event, reminding everyone of the importance of visibility, empathy, and support for families in the autism community.
DJ Bripee kept the energy high throughout the day, providing the perfect soundtrack to an afternoon filled with smiles, laughter, and connection.
One of the most touching moments came from the success of the book drive, which collected over 100 books — with 85% generously donated by parents of students at Little Linguists. Their contribution reflected the heart of the festival: community coming together to uplift, support, and inspire.
Amanda extends her heartfelt thanks to every vendor, sponsor, volunteer, team member, friend, and family member who helped bring this vision to life — and to the Hoboken community for showing up with so much love and excitement.
This was only the beginning.
Here’s to many more!