Eau Claire Companies Team up to Donate Meals to Truck Drivers April 29, 2020
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.
Donation Request
Donation Request Information (please read prior to filling out form) As a community-based and family owned foodservice distributor, IFD understands the importance of community support. We are proud to be a part of such a great community and therefore strive to be active in our community involvement and to support the communities that support us.
Each year we receive many requests for donations, and we try to fill as many as possible. Since we try to spread as much generosity as possible throughout the area we do not necessarily donate to the same organizations each year. To help us evaluate all requests for charitable contributions fairly and consistently, we only review requests that are submitted on the form.
Charitable 501(c)(3) organizations with-in the Chippewa Valley will be given priority preference. We donate primarily merchandise discounts. Merchandise or gift cards maybe considered, there will be no cash donations. Donation requests will only be reviewed by filling out the form in it entirety. We will not take requests over the phone, in the store or by email. Donations are filled monthly on a first come first serve basis. All requests must be sent in 6 WEEKS prior to date of the event. We will consider a donation to an event and/or organization once per calendar year. Due to the volume of requests that are received not all requests can be filled.
We support the efforts of groups that work with the homeless, hungry and helpful. If you would like to request a donation, please fill out the form and we will get in contact with you.