MYAKKA CITY, Fla. — When Eric Primeau makes food, it’s with a purpose.

“It’s fulfilling to see people smile and be happy,” he said.

Primeau has been traveling across Manatee and Sarasota counties, providing free meals to those impacted by Hurricane Milton.

“It always feels like it’s not enough. But we’ve been feeding cleanup crews at the Freedom Factory, and we’ve helped entire neighborhoods that are without power,” he said.

On this day, the Canadian native’s food truck, “Florida Poutine Company,” is stationed at Dakin Dairy Farms.

He’s also providing free meals to the owners and workers at Dakin Dairy, who have been cleaning up the damage caused by Hurricane Milton.

Jason Dakin, co-owner of Dakin Dairy Farms, mentioned that they had some trees down.

“We had sheet metal damage on the barn roofs and a loss of power. Our kitchen is still down, but we’re working on getting it back up. So, it’s nice to have some hot food and cold lunches,” he said.

Primeau started his food truck in September 2022, the same month Hurricane Ian hit. That’s when his mission to help the community began.

“After Ian and Irma, I was broken in pretty good,” he said.

Primeau even started receiving donations—both food and money—to continue making free meals.

“This is part of our culture, to have people sit, chat, and laugh. In times like these, it’s important to support each other. Everyone’s morale goes up,” he said.

As many people are still on the road to recovery after the recent storms, Primeau says he’s going to continue supplying free food to those in need.