BRADENTON, Fla. — As many families continue to cope with the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, food truck owners in Manatee County are helping families by cooking meals.

What You Need To Know

  • As many families continue to cope with the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, food truck owners in Manatee County are helping families by cooking meals

  • Since the storm hit, Eric Primeau with Florida Poutine Co. has turned his truck and cooking skills into a driving force to help others

  • Other food truck owners, like Justin Gillis with Fat & Happy BBQ & More, are helping Primeau with giving out free meals in the hard-hit areas including workers at Dakin Dairy Farm

Since Hurricane Ian hit, Eric Primeau with Florida Poutine Co. has turned his truck and cooking skills into a driving force to help others.

“Support, I’m always there when everything breaks, and when the panic sets in,” Primeau said.

And he adds a little love to each ingredient because he’s making his favorite meal.

He’s cooking up four gallons of Texas Red Chili to give to families and first responders in Myakka City and Arcadia who were affected by Hurricane Ian.

As he cooks, he says, “Just add a tiny bit of love to it.”

However, he’s not alone. Other food truck owners, like Justin Gillis with Fat & Happy BBQ & More, are helping Primeau with giving out free meals in the hard-hit areas including workers at Dakin Dairy Farm.

“I mean, it’s been a struggle for everybody, but anytime we have a chance to do something good for the community, we try,” Gillis said.

They are putting in the time and energy towards a mission to help the people in the community.

“It just validates who I am,” said Primeau.

A gift like a homemade meal is giving people comfort during times of need.

Primeau is continuing to collect monetary donations to keep buying supplies and groceries to make food for Hurricane Ian victims.