Truck drivers welcome change to allow food trucks at some Minnesota rest areas during COVID-19 pandemic

Gov. Tim Walz on Friday signed an executive order allowing food trucks to operate at certain rest stops in the state.

Executive Order 20-49 permits food trucks to operate at up to six highway rest stops in Minnesota.

Walz’s office said as many restaurants across the country have closed, restrictions pertaining to commercial activity at highway rest areas have restricted fresh food options for truck drivers. The order aims to provide an additional option for food truck drivers, who play a critical role in supporting the supply chain and depend on eating meals on the road.

The order will go into effect immediately after it’s approved by the Minnesota Executive Council.

Walz signs order allowing food trucks at certain rest stops to support truck drivers

Truckers at the St. Croix rest area along Interstate 94 welcome the change.

"That would be a plus," trucker Doug Sargent said. "Fast foods with the drive-thru won’t hardly serve us. Trying to find a good warm meal, if it’s just something besides a hamburger, there’s a big difference."

Operators of food trucks will have to apply for a permit. They’ll be able to serve truckers for at least the next two weeks while the stay at home order is in place.

Here are the six rest areas that will allow food trucks:

• St. Croix (I-94 westbound)
• Enfield (I-94 eastbound)
• Forest Lake (I-35 southbound)
• New Market (I-35 southbound)
• Marion (I-90 westbound)
• Fuller Lake (I-94 westbound)