Fresh Stop mobile market, Marion Senior Services and Florida Blue Key are combating food deserts with a grocery bus.
The Fresh Stop bus serves fresh vegetables and fruits to seniors in low-income areas each month.
“A food desert is a term that's recognized by the USDA and it pretty much means that you don't have access to healthy foods within a one-mile radius," The Fresh Stop Mobile Market Master Thomas Coston said.
The grocery store on wheels made a stop at Marion Oaks Community Center. The Fresh Stop bus prepared and donated 50 grocery bags, or about 200 pounds of fresh produce. These bags are filled with zucchini, squash, kale, carrots and tomatoes.
"We estimate our reach will be over hundred clients. Today we are serving at least 50,” Marion Senior Services community Outreach Manager Glenda Thomas said.
Every month the bus will go to a new spot. And at each spot, they will see new faces. Reaching different people every time.
"We pick spots out every week, but they're pretty much based out of Pope county… Marion county, which is new for us, and of course Osceola and Orange county," Coston said.
Coston said the partnership helps him bring healthy vegetables to seniors and puts a smile on their face.