Business promoting healthy food choices in North Omaha works to expand

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - Taking charge of his health is important to Jaden Perkins.

"[With] pre-dispositions our community has faced with diabetes and high blood pressure I thought it was just very important to take initiative," Perkins, an Omaha resident, said.

He stays ahead of it, by visiting with another person getting ahead of their health, Imani Murray.

"We die so early. You know, Black men and Black women die from things that we can really control with what we eat. When I was doing my research it just, you know, how can I prevent this stuff young? What can I do?" Murray said.

Murray started by sharing juice and smoothie recipes online. Then organically, it turned into her business on North 24th Street, Ital Vital Living .

"I was just doing a passion of mine, just a hobby. Kind of getting myself healthy and cooking healthy," she told 6 News.

In the Omaha Metro, at least 36% of very low-income households struggle to find fresh, affordable produce according to the Omaha Community Foundation .

"I grew up in south Omaha. I live in North Omaha, historically known as a food desert. It can be challenge," said Perkins.

Murray has worked over the last five years to help North Omaha overcome that challenge.

"You have to really drive to go t a grocery store to get healthy produce and stuff like that. So we love having cold presses juices and smoothies here to have that be a healthy option," she said.

Now, Murray is spreading her passion further by opening a second location at 76th and Cass set to open in the fall.