KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Inside Ruby Jean’s Kitchen and Juicery at 3000 Troost Ave., a mural proclaiming “Health is Freedom” is painted on the back wall.
This mission statement is something owner and CEO Chris Goode lives by.
Goode named his juicer, Ruby Jean’s, after his late grandmother, who died at age 14. She died primarily due to her battle with type 2 diabetes. Goode said that if she had had more access to healthier food options, she could have lived longer.
Goode said Ruby Jean’s is the first 100% health-conscious store to exist on the east side of Kansas City, which he says has long been neglected.
According to the 2016-2021 Kansas City, Missouri Community Health Improvement Plan, the area east of the Paseo and Troost Avenue from 9th Street to 95th Street is considered a ” high priority zip code” regarding lack of access to healthy food. options.
The area, which has a large minority population, has long lacked full-service grocery stores.
In the first part of a three-part podcast miniseries, KSHB 41 News digital producers Katharine Finnerty and Casey Murray delve into the topic of food deserts in Kansas City and the impact of nutritional inequity on much more than a person’s physical health.
PODCAST EPISODE 2: A woman works to preserve the history of the Sante Fe neighborhood in Kansas City
PODCAST EPISODE 3: A construction company owned by a black woman in Kansas City is breaking down barriers