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Culinary student feeds 300 long haul drivers

Three photos are shown. In the first, a woman in a red t-shirt and hat stands behind stacks of full food containers. In the second, the food containers are shown close up, with other food items also shown in small bags.
Kingstec Campus Culinary Management student Joan Godsey is making to-go meals for the 300 commercial drivers of Eassons Transport Group in Kentville, NS., during the COVID-19 pandemic.

When transport truck drivers found the restaurants they’d once relied on closing rapidly due to COVID-19, many struggled to stay nourished while moving food and other goods across North America.

Kingstec Campus student Joan Godsey knew she could help.

Recruiting her husband Guy and her Culinary Management instructor Chef Peter Dewar, Joan quickly began making to-go meals for the 300 commercial drivers of Eassons Transport Group in Kentville, NS.

“I’ve made soups, lasagna, curry and jerk chicken for example, and I’ve made more turkeys than I can count,” says Joan, who has made up to 150 meals in one day.

To protect the health and safety of drivers, Joan is following the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations, on which she is trained, and vacuum seals each container. She is also making special meals for drivers with dietary constraints. 

Making a difference

Trevor Bent, Eassons Transport Group CEO and NSCC grad, says that the support for his drivers has been incredibly heartwarming.

“The challenges our drivers are facing on the road due to COVID-19 are unique and require imaginative solutions,” says Trevor. “Though their efforts, Joan, Guy and Chef Dewar have helped our drivers keep shelves stocked, people fed and industries running from coast to coast.”

Joan says that after weeks of isolation, she finally feels like she’s making a real difference.

“In this time, when so much is unknown and a bit scary, I feel I’m doing my part so groceries and supplies can make it to stores, hospitals, seniors’ homes and anywhere else people are in need.”

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