Growing up in the Northeast Oklahoma City community, Nikki Nice saw a tight-knit group of residents who were politically engaged so they could work toward better lives. They believed in pride and unity and potential.

The now-Ward 7 councilwoman paid attention as conversations abounded about the problems the community faced and how to solve them. One topic that dominated discussion was the lack of a full-service grocery store with fruits and vegetables, a pharmacy and a flower shop, a deli and a bakery.

"We've been having these conversations since 1993, and we’re still waiting for that," Nice said.

Nice believes there is a link between this long period without adequate access to quality foods and the overwhelmingly negative health outcomes in Northeast Oklahoma City, which is the longtime home of three of the unhealthiest ZIP codes in Oklahoma County.