Free lunch for truckers Thursday at Oregon's Woodburn Port of Entry

WOODBURN, Ore. - The Oregon Trucking Association is offering a free lunch to truck drivers this Thursday "in a show of support for the service and dedication of truck drivers" during the COVID-19 crisis.

"Trucks continue to deliver food and consumer goods, keeping store shelves stocked and people fed; however, truck drivers often find it difficult to feed themselves," according to the group.

"Many of the on-the-road resources that truck drivers rely on are now unavailable. Depending on the states they travel in, restaurants, rest stops and truck stops have been closed or are offering limited services. While several restaurants are making accommodations specifically for truck drivers, drive-thru and carry-out options aren’t so easy when a vehicle is over 50 feet long, the driver’s window is several feet off the ground and parking is, as always, a challenge."

Lunch will be served in Oregon from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m (or until meals run out) April 9 at Oregon's Woodburn Port of Entry South Bound (I-5 Milepost 274).

“Right now, many of us can only sit inside, watch what’s happening and wonder how we can help,” said Jana Jarvis, president and CEO of the OTA. “This is just a small way that we can acknowledge the risks our drivers are taking on the frontline and show our appreciation for everything our drivers do to keep things moving.”

The event is closed to the public.

"All of those interacting with drivers will be decked out in personal protective equipment (masks and gloves) to ensure everyone involved remains as safe as possible," the group said.

But the OTA invites donations to its Driver Appreciation Fund.

"At this point in time, monetary donations will help the most," Jarvis said. "Our drivers continue to work tirelessly, keeping Oregon communities supplied. I hope everyone can take a moment to recognize the difficulties our dedicated drivers are facing during this pandemic and show their support in some small way.”