SAULT STE. MARIE -- A volunteer group trying to feed truckers during the COVID-19 pandemic has found a restaurant willing to help.

ZzaZen Home Style Eatery & Pizzeria owner, Mike Vachon, is offering to cook and prepare free meals for truckers, three nights a week.

"I always say do good and good karma will come back," said Cathy Netherton, co-creator of Feed our Truckers in Sault Ste. Marie.

"I feel that persistence finally paid off."

Netherton's group was trying to feed truckers hot and fresh meals outside a Petro-Pass on Great Northern Road.

That was until Algoma Public Health asked them to stop earlier this week, citing its concern for foodborne illness.

The health unit suggested handing out dry or packaged foods and gift cards instead.

"We don't have the lives and the goods we have without truckers," said Vachon.

"It's one of those where we've just got to treat them with a little more dignity and respect than what they usually get."

Health and Safety guidelines allow for food to be distributed from licensed restaurants or modified home kitchens that are easily inspected.

Netherton was able to secure a local restaurant to cook from, but the health unit wouldn't allow it.

That's because un-certified volunteers would have still been cooking and transporting the food.

Running out of options, Netherton turned to Vachon for help.

"The universe will often send you some challenges and you won't be sent a challenge unless you're willing to fulfill it," said Vachon.

"We were put here on this planet to serve, so lets serve."

Unlike Netherton's initial plan, Vachon will do all the cooking at his Heyden-based restaurant.

Truckers will also have to stop in and collect the food themselves.

"Mike is essentially running his restaurant as normal, with the exception of this being a free takeout service for truckers," said Netherton.

"All we're going to do is provide Mike with cash donations we've received, in order to help cover food costs."

Netherton says Algoma Public Health is happy to see truckers fed safely and will allow them to continue this way.

The restaurant will offer three free options on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 6 to 9 p.m.