Food truck entrepreneur purchases new gear to serve a larger community.

MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — The aftermath of a hurricane can be challenging, yet it is a time when community spirit truly shines.

In Manatee County, food truck owner Eric Primeau isn’t just focused on the meals he prepares; his mission revolves around assisting others during these critical moments.

Eric Primeau understands the vital ingredients of helping his neighbors.

“It’s my reason to live right now,” he shared.

His approach goes beyond just providing meals; it’s rooted in compassion.

“I’m everybody’s best friend,” he remarked.

This sentiment is crucial during times of disaster. Primeau launched his Florida Poutine Company food truck three years ago and has been a beacon of hope for hurricane-affected communities, offering free meals to those in need. Recently, he made improvements to enhance his assistance capabilities.

“We’ve got the Starlink mobile system sorted out. It’s a roaming system that doesn’t require a fixed address,” he explained.

After storms, he positions his food truck at recovery centers where he hears one primary request: access to the internet.

“People urgently say, ‘I need to call my wife, my kids,’” he recounted.

Power to charge devices is another crucial need.

“I have a 9,000-watt generator and an inverter generator; it can power electronics safely,” Primeau noted.

He believes these enhancements will significantly benefit the community.

“It’s not super fancy stuff, but it’s extremely practical,” he said.

For now, Primeau is focused on what he does best—serving food.

“Your lunch is ready, one poutine,” he announced.

Whenever the next storm strikes, he stands ready and better equipped to support his community in times of duress.