EGGERTSVILLE, N.Y. (WKBW) — St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Eggertsville had a unique idea to help those struggling with hunger.
The church purchased an old utility truck, a 1976 Ford, and turned it into a food truck that could go to neighborhoods where transportation was an issue to distribute food to the poor.
In addition, people who bought certain items from the truck's menu helped purchase food for needy individuals as parts of its "Get One Give One" initiative.
However, the church's plan went up in smoke last fall when the old truck's motor burst into flames and left the vehicle totaled.
What was a huge heartbreak actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise as a the community rallied around the church and its mission.
Fund raising efforts allowed St. Paul's to purchase a newer vehicle with a custom kitchen.
A local auto shop also donated its service so the burned-up truck was returned to limited, partial use.
The church can now use the new food truck without fear of breaking down and it expands use to year-round.
Pastor Steve Biegner said the church is not trying to compete with other food trucks, but is interested in serving small gatherings of 30-40 people at church or community groups.
7 Eyewitness News Reporter Ed Reilly spent the day talking with the pastor of St. Paul's and a church baker about the "amazing" truck recovery.
More information about the Daily Bread Food Truck can be found here.
