Iowa couple surprised with new food trailer to continue serving meals to those in need
After a community was hit by the devastating derecho wind storm in August, one Iowa couple went above and beyond to help their neighbors and received a special surprise Wednesday to continue their important work through the winter.
In the wake of the storm and amid the pandemic, Bridgette Williams-Robinson and her husband Jovountae Robinson have provided hot meals and food for those in need in Cedar Rapids from underneath a highway overpass.
The parents of seven kids started Bridge Under the Bridge using their own food and resources to serve those who are still struggling to put food on the table.
"We cook every day. It's not just people that are unemployed, it's people that are working that are just struggling," Bridgette Williams-Robinson told "Good Morning America."
Her husband added that these are people who "live next door to me that I never knew didn't have anything to eat. Just because a person smiles and drives a nice car doesn't mean that everything is OK."
The Robinsons, who were homeless with five kids just eight years ago, have decided to make this service permanent to give back to the welcoming city that helped them get on their feet.
"Helping people makes her happier than anything that I've seen in 15 years," Jovountae Robinson said. "Now she's found her place."
Bridgette explained that as temperatures drop in the winter months "it definitely affects" operations.
"It was warm when we began -- we could hang out, we could help more people," she said. "But now that it's cold we have a limited time. It gets darker faster so we still have to make sure we can serve the community and get the hot meals pumped out."
The couple joined "Good Morning America" Wednesday to discuss how it's been going and were stunned to walk outside to their driveway to see a brand new food trailer. Trailer Country, a leading trailer retailer, provided the Robinsons with a fully-outfitted trailer with everything needed to safely keep Bridge Under the Bridge operating all year long.
"Wow. I love it. That's so awesome," Bridgette exclaimed alongside her husband.
The father of seven explained that their children have been a huge help in taking action.
"My kids love being a part of what we do," he said. "Sometimes they see familiar face, some of their friends, and they love being able to help their neighbors knowing that they actually are making an impact in their community. It's an amazing feeling."
Bridgette Robinson said the biggest benefit is the way it resonates personally.
"Just the feeling of knowing that we can help when we didn't have help when we needed it. That's the best feeling," she said.
