Andiamo Italian food truck owner Alex Woodley-Batogh has always been a resourceful operator.

The Ancaster resident began operating his Italian food truck business, which offers a twist on traditional Italian food, in 2018. Foodies interested in his offerings could find him at various events in Hamilton, the Greater Toronto Area, and also weekly at the Ancaster Farmers’ Market last year.

His locally sourced, simple, and healthy dishes proved popular among discerning diners.

He was interested in returning to the market in 2020 — an agreement had been reached with market officials, he said — but then the novel coronavirus pandemic put those plans on hold.

“We are hanging in there,” said Woodley-Batogh. “We are keeping the lights on.”

Earlier this month he began offering takeout and individual meals. Some days, business is great, other days it can get slow, he said. During the Easter holiday, Woodley-Batogh said it was really busy.

“It’s hit and miss,” he said.

He said his business offers contactless delivery within Hamilton and Ancaster for free. He is also allowing all types of different payment options, including e-transfer, credit and debit cards. His website is andiamoitalian.ca, and phone number is 289-880-0250.

Woodley-Batogh said he managed to get his truck certified early this year, in anticipation of what was expected to be a busy spring and summer with the various events packing the calendar in Hamilton and the surrounding area. His business had been specializing in catering to events and large gatherings.

But then those events started to get cancelled and the business plan had to change fast.

“We are quickly adapting by offering individual meals and family meals at a reheat and serve capacity,” he said. “Many of our clients have been people who are concerned about their well-being when entering a store.”

He has gone to residential areas, parked in a driveway — getting permission — and serving food to people throughout the neighbourhood.

As part of his community participation, he is raising money for Mealshare, an organization that provides food to vulnerable youth.

He said every family platter or individual meal that is ordered, $1 will be donated to Mealshare. The organization partners with restaurants and places the organization’s logo next to a few menu items. When a customer orders a Mealshare item one of the meals also goes to a youth in need.