PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — A Rhode Island farm is getting back to work after a fire destroyed one of its trucks last weekend.
Pat’s Pastured returned to the farmers market this week, but the farm is still working to recover from the loss.
“We lost everything,” owner Pat McNiff said. “Everything we had packed in that truck was destroyed, including the truck itself.”
The refrigerated truck was a key part of the farm’s operation, used for deliveries, storage and donations.
The fire also destroyed an estimated $150,000 worth of inventory and equipment.
Staff spent the week finding replacements and working to keep the business running.
“Everyone just kind of hit the ground running on Monday,” Pat’s Pastured staff member Elena Simon said. “But we got it done and worked hard.”
The kitchen is also operating with a limited menu while the farm works to replace what was lost.
“We hope to kind of be up with our full menu in the next couple of weeks,” chef Raymond Payne said.
The farm hasn’t had to rebuild alone.
Customers, fellow farmers and businesses, including Ocean State Job Lot, have donated equipment and supplies and money.
“One of the greatest parts is how that community has stepped up and donated and just been caring for us,” McNiff said.
The owners don’t yet know when they’ll be able to replace the truck.
For now, Pat’s Pastured is still accepting donations through their GoFundMe, on their website, and in-person.
