Trucker travel enhanced with food trucks at key locations

FOOD trucks are being set up at provincially owned locations throughout B.C. to support commercial truck drivers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Government of B.C. is forgoing the usual restrictions and fees for food-truck operators who want to set up on key stops for commercial truck drivers, in locations where it is safe to do so, at the currently reduced traffic volumes. Vendors are operating at rest areas, weigh scales and other commercial truck pullouts throughout the Lower Mainland and southern Interior, with more expected to be added in the coming weeks.

Current locations on provincial property with permitted food trucks, providing commercial truck drivers with more food options during their travels:

* Nordel CVSE Inspection Station in Delta

* Zopkios Brake Check on Highway 5, approximately 57 kilometres north of Hope

* Britton Creek Rest Area on Highway 5, approximately 62 kilometres south of Merritt

* Kamloops Weigh Scale in City of Kamloops – food served free of cost once per week by the Salvation Army

Food truck operating times will vary at these locations. In a separate initiative, members of the BC Trucking Association have spearheaded the Meals for Truck Drivers BC pilot, setting up food trucks at various commercial cardlocks throughout the province. Restaurants have also reopened many locations along Canadian highways for take out and restroom use for commercial drivers.

Commercial truck drivers play an important role in maintaining the supply chain by delivering essential goods during the COVID-19 pandemic. The drivers ensure people around the province continue to have access to the items they need, including food and medicine. For these reasons, the ministry is working in collaboration with private food truck operators in order to help provide more options for truck drivers on their routes.

Along with allowing food trucks, the Province has recently completed the installation of more than 25 portable toilets at commercial pullouts and inspection stations in the province to improve travel for commercial truck drivers.

The ministry is following the advice and orders of the provincial health officer and the federal government to keep British Columbians as safe as possible and help stop the spread of COVID-19. While highways and roads remain open, the provincial health officer recommends people stay close to home and avoid any non-essential travel.

Learn More:

For a constantly updated map of locations and times for these food trucks, visit the Meals for Truckers page: https://mealsfortruckers.ca/

Food truck operators interested in applying for a permit can go to: http://ow.ly/ME1d50zo3uF