Good Day Atlanta viewer information April 16, 2020

Food trucks draws workers from the front lines to the lunch line:

The medical professionals at Piedmont Hospital are truly on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.  But last Friday, for at least a few minutes, they were just folks in the lunch line.

Atlanta’s own The Queso Truck spent several hours at Piedmont Hospital Friday, serving lunch and dinner to the hospital’s tireless workers.  It was the truck’s first time at the hospital, an occasion of importance not lost on Director of Operations Thom Pate.

"These people are putting their lives on the line every single day.  To be invited out here to feed them is a real privilege, a real honor,” Pate says.

Before the pandemic, The Queso Truck was a popular option at local office parks and for catering large events.  But right now, it and sister-truck Yumbii are spending time at the offices of essential employees, something Pate says has been a blessing to business.

"Last year, we had a huge year with this truck, and obviously this year, we're just more focused on keeping our folks employed.  So far we haven't had to lay anybody off, we'd really like to continue that,” he says.  "I've actually been able to hire a couple people, which is really close to my heart, because obviously so many people need jobs right now that that's something we want to be able to offer."

Of course, the blessing for them is also a blessing for staffers at Piedmont Hospital, who say working long hours right now means lots of cravings for different food options.  "Oh, it's awesome,” says Takia Jones.  “Different from the cafeteria food or bringing food from home.  It's a nice touch." 

And hospital employees say knowing that the teams behind food trucks like The Queso Truck especially want to serve workers on the front lines is nourishing to more than just body. 

"I feel honored.  Very much honored,” says Joya Ellington.  “And appreciated."

WEB LINK:

https://www.thequesotruck.com

Popular vegan restaurant owner Pinky Cole gives back during the Coronavirus pandemic.  Good Day Atlanta's Sharon Lawson talks to her via Skype about her efforts.   For more information on Pinky Cole or The Slutty Vegan restaurant click here.

Medical Masks for Georgia:  The fight against Covid-19 continues in hospitals across Georgia. A local group is also hard at work — trying to get N-95 masks into the hands of frontline workers. A Milton mother has kick started Medical Masks for Georgia, and is collecting and distributing masks. For more information on how you can help:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/covid19-masks-for-georgia

https://www.facebook.com/MedicalMasksforGeorgia/

Sifted Provisions, Chef Valerie Preston demonstrates an at home recipe for making Shakshuka:  For more information on today's reccipe see below.  For more information on Sifted Provisions click here 

INGREDIENTS:

 • 2 cups tomato sauce or canned tomatoes

• ¼ onion, cut into strips

• ½ bell pepper, seeded, cut into strips • 2 eggs • 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ tsp cinnamon

• 1 tsp cumin • 1 tsp chili powder

• 1 tsp paprika • ¼ cup cilantro and parsley, roughly chopped

• Olive oil • Salt and pepper to taste FOR SERVING:

• Pita or bread for serving

• Feta cheese, optional INSTRUCTIONS:

 • Preheat oven to 375F.

 • Heat olive oil in a cast iron or oven safe pan.

 • Saute peppers, onions and garlic until onions are translucent.

 • Add spices and toast for about 1 minute or until fragrant.

 • Add tomato sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Let simmer for 5-7 minutes • or until thickened.

• Crack eggs directly into the pan. • Place pan in oven for 5-7 minutes or until eggs are done as you like. • Garnish with fresh cilantro, parsley, and feta, if using.

• Serve with pita or crusty bread. ABOUT SIFTED PROVISIONS Sifted Provisions saves you a trip to the grocery store with chef-crafted grocery bundles full of fresh produce, frozen meats, pantry staples, and household items. Maintain your health and safety with our Touch-Free Curbside Pickup or Doorstep Delivery. siftedprovisions.com

Food and lifestyle expert Chadwick Boyd joins us via Skype to talk about, "What's trending with food on Instagram during quarantine."  Chadwick Boyd says that cooking and sharing on Instagram is huge right now.   Bread baking is  popular, comforting and delicious.  But, bread flour and yeast are hard to come by.  He says that making a sourdough starter is a great leaning project, but it's advanced and takes time. Other options using pantry stapels people can make are bananan bread and biscuits of course.    For more information on Chadwick Boyd food and lifestyle  tips   click here.   If you want to bake the banana cornmeal snacking cake click here.