Julia received a curated meal kit delivered to her door in preparation for the Dinner and Discussion on Food, Health and the Arts online event sponsored by Omaha Performing Arts. She was excited to follow along and prepare the Red Rice Bowl dish in her own kitchen while watching the premiere of the cook-along video later that weekend.
“I was immediately drawn to register for this event,” Julia said. “I’ve never really known how to cook vegetables in ways where I love them, so I was excited for help in that category.” She also felt the event was a meaningful way for her personally to celebrate Black history.
Omaha Performing Arts produced the Dinner and Discussion as part of its Voices AMPLIFIED! initiative, while No More Empty Pots curated the menu and meal kits sourced by local food and supplied chef panelists to host the cook-along moderated by historian Jade Rogers, Founder of House of Afros, Capes & Curls. The goal of the partnership was to maximize the event’s impact of celebrating diverse culinary artistry.
By preparing an Afro-Vegan meal together, participants like Julia learned about the history and significance of food and cooking at the heart of Black culture.
“I have never tasted such depth of flavor,” she said, “I was truly in awe of the whole experience!” Through events like the Dinner and Discussion, families and individuals in the local food system are continually inspired through food as an expression of art and celebration of culture.
Black History is Our History
Black history is more than American history; it’s our history and while the month of February is coming to a close, No More Empty Pots remains committed to empowering and celebrating Black voices in the local food systems community and beyond.
Stay Tuned for the Next Online Cook-Along
Partnering with The House of Afros, Capes & Curls and Uncle Nearest, the cook-along will discuss stories from both past and present centered on the liberation of Black women through food, drink and entrepreneurship. Curated meal kits are available featuring Tennessee-inspired cuisine paired with Uncle Nearest Whiskey!
The newest selection of Activity Kits feature meaningful food systems and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) education lessons with a fun twist! The theme of each kit, specially curated by the No More Empty Pots team of community educators, is brought to life through engaging educational content, recipe cards, ingredients, and hands-on activities for participants to experience.
Packed Full Of Adventure
- Content is designed for learners of all ages and serves a minimum of 6 individuals.
- Perfect for birthdays, to supplement curriculum or to create fun family memories.
- Community educators are available for live online demonstrations!
Heirloom Fine Foods selected Chef Meya Hill’s North African Red Lentil and Chickpea Soup recipe to feature in its meal prep menu using local ingredients as part of their ongoing partnership with No More Empty Pots to provide mentorship and opportunities for Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC). Meya graduated from the NMEP Culinary Workforce Training Program in 2019 and currently serves as the NMEP Culinary Certificate Program Coordinator. Congratulations to Chef Meya!
See our collection of local food agencies, programs, restaurants, and producers available to families and individuals in the Greater Omaha community.
What You'll Find
- Sign-up for Community Harvest to receive weekly meals or curated produce boxes.
- Find local farmers and seasonal crops with Buy Fresh Buy Local Nebraska.
- Find assistance 24/7 with finding a food pantry, paying for a utility bill, accessing safe housing or shelter, receiving counseling services and more.