One of the underlying issues that has come up in the wake of the novel coronavirus 2019 pandemic has to do with truck drivers getting food while on the road.

With the dine-in option at all restaurants in Iowa prohibited and semis much too big to go through drive-through or pick-up windows, truck operators have had to get creative with how they get meals. To address this problem for at least a couple days, the Iowa Motor Truck Association (IMTA) will be providing 1,000 free boxed lunches at weigh stations along Interstate 80 today and tomorrow. The initiative is in partnership with the Governor’s Office and the Iowa Department of Transportation. Organizers say the boxed lunches are the state’s way of showing appreciation and gratitude to the trucking industry while making sure drivers are eating well, and the added bonus is providing business to local restaurants. Participating restaurants include Gateway Market, In the Bag Deli, Main Street Café & Bakery and Palmer’s Deli.

One of the locations included is the Dallas County Scale located near Van Meter, with the serving time from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. tomorrow. The weigh stations will be open specifically for food distribution during that time, with no vehicle enforcement activities. The DOT will provide signage at the ramp and traffic control, and it will be set up as a drive-through.