By Al Muskewitz

Truckers moving goods across Iowa the next two days will have access to a box lunch provided in appreciation of their efforts by the Iowa Motor Truck Association, the Governor’s office and Iowa DOT.
 
In the latest show of appreciation and gratitude for the trucking industry while providing some business to local restaurants during the fallout of the worldwide coronavirus crisis, Iowa is providing 1,000 complimentary lunches today and Wednesday at two weigh stations on I-80 to have the largest impact.
 
Lunches will be distributed from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today (March 24) at the Jasper County Scale (I-80 westbound east of Mitchelville MM 150) and Wednesday at the Dallas County Scale (I-80 eastbound east of Van Meter MM 115). Signage will be provided on the highway directing drivers to the locations.
 
The scales will be open specifically for lunch distribution – there will be no enforcement activities. 
 
The distribution will be set up for drive through/drive by delivery to comply with CDC parameters. 
 
The lunches have been prepared by Gateway Market, In The Bag Deli, Palmer’s Deli and Main Street Cafe & Bakery.
 
“We want to show our appreciation to the professional men nad women that are playing aa critically important role asa the COVID-19 pandemic unfolds,” IMTA president and CEO Brenda Neville said. “We believe that providing a box lunch seemed to be the best way to achieve that goal since getting food on the road has become a bit more difficult in the current situation.”

Iowa has more than 9,000 interstate trucking companies in the state with one in 13 people in the state getting a paycheck from the transportation industry.

A growing number of organizations and individuals across the country have offered gestures of appreciation towards the truckers and the trucking industry since the crisis began.

Last week Neville shared with Wright Media her appreciation for her state's truckers and the pride in their response during the crisis.

"What the trucking industry does best in these types of situations is provide consistent and steady leadership by keeping the grocery store shelves stocked, gas/fuel readily available, medicine to the hospitals and the list goes on," Neville said. "Iowa's truckers have been excellent in stepping up and doing what is needed to get the job done.

"Nothing stops the ability of the trucking industry to serve this country in good times and in challenging times. That kind of consistent service brings some calm to the chaos."

Al Muskewitz is Editor of Wright Media. He can be reached to pitch a story idea or offer a comment at musky@wrightmediacorp.com