ABOUT US
Our Approach
No More Empty Pots is a 501(c)(3) grassroots nonprofit organization. Since 2010, our programs and partnerships have addressed food security, education, and economic opportunity with a systems approach to solutions so that there will be “no more empty pots”.
No More Empty Pots is intentional in our service to the community, meeting each person where they are and supporting their growth and potential.
Our Mission and Values
The mission of No More Empty Pots is to connect individuals and groups to improve self-sufficiency, regional food security and economic resilience of urban and rural communities through advocacy and action.
Education: Consumers, Producers and Our Youth
Stewardship: Land Use and Community Resources
Sustainability: Triple Bottom Line
Our History
2010-203
No More Empty Pots holds two food summits with community stakeholders to discuss the needs, resources and potential economic impact of increased support for local food systems. No More Empty Pots officially becomes an organization and receives nonprofit designation in 2010. Pilot programming begins with the Community Market Basket to increase access to local food.
2016-2017
Phase One of the Food Hub, with the first commercial kitchens in the lower level, completes in 2016, and food entrepreneurs begin renting the Shared-Use Kitchen. No More Empty Pots earns licensing from the Nebraska Department of Education for culinary workforce training in 2017.
2019
Construction of the Food Hub officially completes in 2019 including the Kids Kitchen, Cups Café, and Rooftop Garden in 2019. That year, the Food Hub serves over 400 youth in June and July, Cups Café at Florence opens in July, and No More Empty Pots celebrates the Food Hub grand opening in August.
2020
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, No More Empty Pots pivots to support community needs by adapting programs and support services. The Community Harvest and Feeding Our Neighbors programs distribute emergency meals and produce boxes.
2021
Community Harvest relaunches as a local food subscription service procuring produce and food products in 2021. No More Empty Pots amplifies the connectivity of its multi-generational programming by organizing programs as an intentional pathway of engagement that builds and sustains curiosity and self-sufficiency over time for generations of learners, households and communities.
2022
No More Empty Pots focuses on developing and enhancing opportunities for emerging leaders and disinvested entrepreneurs in the Omaha community. In 2022, No More Empty Pots announces plans to occupy and operationalize the Highlander Accelerator Greenhouse, owned by Seventy Five North in North Omaha.
Our Programs
No More Empty Pots looks at the impact of each potential project and program on our mission, vision and values before accepting whether it becomes a part of the work in which we engage or support. Each project must have an element of sustainability and long-term positive impact for the communities in which we serve.
Characteristics of Successful Initiatives:
- Strengthen relationships with urban and rural consumers and producers
- Develop closed loop food systems processes
- Support sustainable local urban and regional food systems