Easton Galindo started Lean MEals as a way to encourage people to eat healthy by providing them with nutritious, flavorful and convenient packaged meals.
As her customer base grew outside of just family and friends, she needed a way to expand her business. Easton started renting out the commercial kitchens at No More Empty Pots because it was flexible and affordable in a way that allowed her business to flourish.
After six months, Lean MEals had become so successful that in July, Easton moved to a space with her own rental kitchen and storefront space where customers will be able to pick-up their meals in a convenient location. Click here to learn more about her business and try some of her delicious meals!
Easton is just one of many entrepreneurs who have utilized NMEP kitchens and incubator resources to grow their businesses. When entrepreneurs have support to build a good foundation, they are able to share their talents, improve their quality of life, support the local economy and employ more people in the community!
5th Annual Entrepreneurship Invitational Applications Open!
The Entrepreneurship Invitational supported by Wells Fargo is in its fifth year! The invitational is a great opportunity for food-focused entrepreneurs looking to start or grow a food business. The entrepreneurs are provided access to tools and mentorship by NMEP and the Wells Fargo Green Team to develop business plans in preparation for a pitch competition with successive rounds to earn seed money for their business.
Get Started: Apply by August 9th
Enter now for a spot in the virtual NMEP Entrepreneurship Invitational Sponsored by Wells Fargo for a chance to earn up to $2,500 in seed money!
✔️Complete the No More Empty Pots Kitchen Application
✔️Record a 60 second business pitch video
✔️Create your business plan using the Wells Fargo Works Business Plan Tool
✔️Email your business plan + pitch video by August 9th at 5pm to invitational@nmepomaha.org
No More Empty Pots’ mission includes connecting and supporting the community through advocacy and action. Our action is to be responsive to the food needs of our neighbors. Our advocacy is to champion the policies and legislation that improves food security and activates economic justice. On July 14th, NMEP voiced support for Legislative Bills 169, 255, 1039, and 1040 during a Nebraska Policy Maker Listening Session. These bills would expand SNAP, reduce the SNAP cliff-effect, create hunger free schools, and increase access to local produce. Nebraska Civic Engagement Table, Coalition for Stronger Nebraska, and Nebraska Counts support NMEP’s advocacy engagement with tools and resources and staff training. We are excited to share as we learn and put it into action!
Upcoming Virtual Activities
Read, Eat, Grow:
Tuesdays | 10am – 11am | Google Meet Room Code: hvr-gsqm-dao
8/04 | Book Reading – “Just Ask!” with special guest Mia Thomas + That’s Me! Game
8/11 | Book Reading – “Secret Pizza Party” with special guest Wes Zollicoffer + Pizza Recipes
8/18 | Book Reading – “Iggy Peck, Architect” with special guest Elana Crum of Crum Cakes Bakery with Cake Creations
9/01 | Book Reading – “Dragons Love Tacos” with special guest Audrey Woita + Salsa Recipes
Preservation Series
Tuesdays via Facebook Live
8/04 | Noon – 1pm: Fermentation: Kombucha
8/11 | 1pm – 2pm: Pickling: Hot Sauce
8/18| 1pm – 2pm: Jamming: Savory and Sweet