As the COVID-19 pandemic escalates, it’s harder for truckers to be behind the wheel as facilities and restaurants close. In Port aux Basques, Newfoundland, The Salvation Army is working with the provincial government, and in partnership with Marine Atlantic, to provide meals to those transporting goods and materials to or from the ferry crossing.

“Hot meals are prepared at our newly upgraded commercial kitchen,” says Lieut. Maurice Collins, ministry unit leader. “Then they are transported to the visitors centre parking lot on the outskirts of town for distribution.”

“We’ve learned that some truckers were eating little to nothing at all”

At the distribution site, a generator is used to operate a microwave that ensures meals are warm when given to the truckers. “It’s still pretty cold here,” says Collins. Every day, volunteers gather to cook meals that to date have been roast beef, turkey and ham dinners.

“We want to give the truckers a hearty meal,” continues Collins. “We’ve learned that some truckers were eating little to nothing at all.”

“We will be up and running every day until the restrictions in Newfoundland are lifted”

With social distancing measures and personal protective equipment in place, the meals are hand delivered to each and every truck. Drivers don’t have to get out. They feel safe and the volunteers feel safe.

“We want to take church outside our walls and help keep drivers on the road,” says Collins. “We will be up and running every day until the restrictions in Newfoundland are lifted. That could be months.”

The Salvation Army continues to provide its essential services to the vulnerable during COVID-19. For more information or to donate visit SalvationArmy.ca or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY.

Letter from the Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador