Eau Claire companies team up to donate meals to truck drivers

Eau Claire (WQOW) - A pair of Eau Claire companies are banding together to make sure truckers and their work aren't going unnoticed during the pandemic.
Johnny's Italian Steakhouse and Indianhead Foodservice Distributor started the "Meals for 18 Wheelers" program, to provide 800 meals per week to truck drivers at Marten Transportation in Eau Claire and Tomah.

Johnny's Steakhouse chef Shawn Wamsley said they wanted to show their appreciation for the essential workers who provide the products people need right now to stay safe and healthy.

Wamsley decided to provide unique and filling meals because he's noticed it can be hard for truckers to get food while on the road.
"Watching a gentleman leave his rig and have to walk through a drive-thru to get some sort of food product," said Wamsley. "So it was almost like an epiphany like a light bulb went off for us like, that's how we can give back."

Wamsley said the program is taking things week by week to account for any unforeseen new rules or safety regulations, but they plan to donate meals at least through the end of May.