Meet America’s kindest ice cream truck driver who makes sure children growing up in poverty don’t feel left out
Matthew Lenne, who runs the Sweet Tooth ice cream truck in Tucson, Arizona, with his fiancée Korina Quiroga-Ramirez, has become known locally for making sure no child goes without a treat, regardless of ability to pay. The business, which he started in February after a difficult period involving his mother's ill health and his own struggles with depression, keeps prices deliberately low and covers the cost itself whenever a child cannot afford to pay. Lenne says the venture reflects lessons from his mother about community and kindness, and highlights the financial pressure facing low-income families in the area.
Treats on the truck cost as little as $1 to $3, and Lenne, who has six children of his own, says buying ice cream for a large family from a typical truck can cost around $58. He and Quiroga-Ramirez partner with local organisations such as Barrio Restoration and Para Todos, handing out free popsicles to volunteers and attending community events including children's birthday parties. After the truck's generator broke down, a community member launched a GoFundMe to help keep the business running, with supporters crediting Lenne's generosity towards Tucson's residents.
- Tucson ice cream truck owner gives free treats to children who can't pay
- Sweet Tooth truck sells snacks for $1-$3, run by Matthew Lenne and fiancée
- Community launched GoFundMe after truck's generator broke down
New here? Start with this
Matthew Lenne runs a mobile ice cream business called Sweet Tooth in Tucson, Arizona, alongside his fiancée, Korina Quiroga-Ramirez. He set up the venture in February, having previously gone through a period of caring for his unwell mother while dealing with his own depression. He and his partner run the truck with deliberately low prices, and cover costs themselves when families cannot pay, in an area where many households face financial strain.
Lenne has six children of his own and has spoken about the toll a typical ice cream truck visit can take on a large family's budget, with treats on his truck priced at just $1 to $3. The couple also work with local community groups, including Barrio Restoration and Para Todos, giving out free treats at events and to volunteers.
The story has drawn wider attention after the truck's generator broke down, prompting a member of the local community to set up a fundraiser to help keep the business going, with many crediting Lenne's approach to serving the neighbourhood.