BROWN COUNTY, Ind. (WTHR) – A food truck in Brown County is paying it forward during the pandemic.
Its newly-created "Loving Menu" is an example of neighbors helping neighbors in need.
There's more than meals on the menu right now at Johnny's Grub to Go.
This food truck, in a semi-trailer on State Road 46, is also serving up heaping helpings of Hoosier hospitality.
"We have no dining room. It's all to go and we just decided you know if there's people in need, hey let's just fix whatever we can," said John Knight, who operates the food truck with his wife, Ginger.
Anyone in need can order off the "Loving Menu". It was a birthday wish John came up with when the coronavirus put people's health and jobs at risk.
"We were watching the news and it just was on our heart to do this," John said.
"Just call us no questions asked and just tell me how many in the family and I prepare it for them," Ginger explained. "I close at 4:00, so they can pick it up by 5:00 for their dinner."
Since the end of March, families hit hard by COVID-19 have been able to get Ginger's signature Filipino dishes and American staples too -- all for free or whatever they can pay.
"After they get the food, I'll receive a message saying 'you just don't know how you helped us today. You are heaven sent. Thank you for what you do,'" Ginger said.
This is happening on the same corner in Brown County where John's father and grandfather ran a convenience store for decades, where if a customer didn't have the cash, items were gifted to them or put as a credit to pay back later.
Now the Knights are giving back again. They've served 100 families from the "Loving Menu" so far.
"I'm so happy that they call me. I'm so happy that we reached them," Ginger said.
This couple's mission has inspired the community to donate, as well.
"They're very generous," Ginger said. "They either buy a lot of food or they give a donation or both."
"We've had some even bring canned goods and drop off," John added. "It's made me see how really blessed we are."
And it's all to help neighbors, one meal at a time.
"It made you realize, you know, that people are really in need and we are so happy to help," John said.
Families can contact Johnny's Grub to Go on Facebook.
The Knights say they are planning to open a second food truck on the north side of Brown County in May, which will also have a "Loving Menu" for those in need.