A Word from No More Empty Pots Founder and CEO, Nancy Williams
I hope that this message finds you well, healthy and safe. We recognize that we are in the midst of a lot of change and uncertainty. With change and uncertainty there is also great opportunity.
Since March 13, NMEP staff has been working remotely, updating curricula to deliver components virtually, preparing garden beds, connecting with local farmers and collaborating with partners. The need was great before the crisis. And the safety nets are showing us that the weight for the most vulnerable in our communities is greater than we have prepared for.
We can choose to watch the net break or we can choose to do all that we can to support each other as we navigate this moment. The net may sag. It may tear. It may even break. But it doesn’t have to be detrimental. What will we do with this moment? Right now.
Each moment we can commit to doing the best that we can. Each moment we can trust each other to do the same. And when we see that this might not be true, we can acknowledge it, hold each other accountable and do the work. With grace and gratitude, bringing the best of our authentic whole selves to the moment with open hearts to do what we can.
Because of you, each staff member is still employed. Because of you, these same staff members are providing healthy meals made from scratch with local produce to hundreds of kids, families and seniors, with delivery. Because of you, our most vulnerable neighbors feel cared for and valued. Because you there is evidence of hope. You make this possible. Every day. Thank you.
Together, we have a lot of work ahead of us. I am so grateful to be in this work with you.
Be safe. Wash your hands. Love each other.
Nancy
Emily and her family registered for their Community Harvest prepared meals through the Carlynn Hartman Kurtz Fund, a fund that supports meals for individuals and families surviving cancer. This week, Emily’s sister Lucia sent No More Empty Pots a picture of Emily eating and said, “Thanks for taking the time to deliver our meals. This is Emily, my sister, enjoying her meal! Since her taste buds have changed, it is hard for me to get her to eat – and she loved her meal today!”
With a family member surviving cancer, Lucia needs to be even more careful of possible exposure to COVID-19. Cancer treatments can weaken the immune system and leave patients like Emily vulnerable. Because of the current pandemic and the fallout from this crisis, many of our neighbors need urgent food relief. In response to this need, NMEP has activated Feeding Our Neighbors to provide prepared plant based meals made with local produce for anyone who requests them. Every gift from generous supporters like you provides another meal. For every $10, we can provide three scratch made meals, individually packaged and ready to eat.
No More Empty Pots partners with local producers, businesses, community organizations and volunteers to meet the growing demand. Thanks to your support, NMEP now has three commercial kitchens being put to use preparing more food while adhering to social distancing. We are aware of the expanding need. We will continue to do all that we can to ensure no one goes hungry. We applaud everyone working hard to make this a reality. Together, we give Emily and young people like her the joy of eating a meal that tastes good and is good for her.
Pick up Feeding Our Neighbors meals Friday 8:00a – 10:00a or Saturday Noon – 2:00p at Cups Café at Florence (8501 N. 30th St., Omaha, NE 68112) Deliveries occur on Fridays and can be scheduled with Emily at communityharvest
If you or someone you know is in need of immediate food support, please contact us and complete the Feeding Our Neighbors registration form.