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President Trump proposes slashing billions from food assistance programs

Posted at 3:57 PM, May 25, 2017
and last updated 2017-05-25 17:24:10-04

As the Truman Medical Centers Mobile Market rolls through, 41 Action News caught up with Jessica. 

“We come faithfully every week. And it goes until November, so then you start to be mindful of what foods are available seasonally. Things I might overlook at the grocery store, it’s very easily obtainable here, because it’s right in front of me," she said.

Oftentimes the mobile market is found in what many consider to be a food desert. Janet Rhone is one of the driving forces providing relief. She supervises the mobile food market. 

“We want to educate, not just provide fresh fruit and vegetables, but educate our communities about the importance of eating them, reducing and preventing chronic disease," Rhone said. 

The Truman Medical Centers Mobile Market is now entering its fifth year in business. The milestone comes as President Donald Trump asked lawmakers to cut $3.6 trillion in government spending over the next decade. Nearly $200 billion would be cut from nutrition and food assistance programs. 

That has many concerned, especially those in food deserts. Their fear is less money in funding means fewer healthy options. 

Rhone and her employees are keeping close tabs on the developments, but say they won’t let it impede their current progress. 

“We could always focus on concerns. I choose to not. I know that right now we’re here and we’re providing a great need for our community," Rhone said. 

It’s estimated mobile food banks and food pantries serve 1 in 7 Americans. 

To learn more about Truman Medical Centers Mobile Market, click here.