The No More Empty Pots Food Hub and The Greenhouse facilities are both, by definition, considered food hubs. Food hubs play a vital role in our local food system through production, processing, distribution, food access, and resource management.
What is a Food Hub?
Food hubs bridge the gap between the local food economy and food access. Our Food Hub and Greenhouse facilities help small farmers and food producers get their products to market while...
- Supporting the local economy
- Expanding access to fresh food
- Promoting environmental sustainability
- Ensuring high quality products
- Strengthening the food system
Food System Sectors
Explore the five sectors of the local food system below and how No More Empty Pots does our part!
Click the sector to jump to its section.
Production
What is Production? Production is the growing, raising, and harvesting of food, such as gardening, farming, and raising livestock, focused on educating and supporting producers.
Our Role: Our involvement in the local food system's production sector focuses on educating and supporting producers through urban farming and community education. Our programs and services also support production of other regional, local, and hyperlocal producers with knowledge sharing, procurement assistance, and technical business support.
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Located at The Greenhouse, our urban farm is open year-round and uses soil benches and hydroponic towers to grow produce, sourcing food for the Micro Market, Community Harvest, or in other value chain operations.
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Located at the Food Hub, the Rooftop Garden grows flowers, herbs and produce seasonally in North Omaha. The garden is primarily used as a space for gardening education or as a tranquil gathering place for Event Rental.
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Community Education programming aims to inspire and engage participants of all ages in sustainable food production practices. We do this work at our own facilities and at partner sites across the community.
Processing
What is Processing? Processing is turning raw ingredients into market-ready products through methods like canning, freezing, and butchering, adding value and expanding market reach.
Our Role: At No More Empty Pots, we actively contribute to the processing sector of the local food system by fostering careers in the Greater Omaha food industry. We also support local producers and food entrepreneurs with valuable services like commercial kitchen rentals and procurement assistance, ensuring they have the resources needed to succeed in turning raw ingredients into market-ready products. Our team is also working to do light, in-house processing of fruits and vegetables on behalf of schools, producers, and other food businesses.
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The Culinary Certificate Program is an eight-week, paid course preparing adults for jobs in the food service industry.
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Commercial kitchens and prep space are available for rental by the hour at our Food Hub and Greenhouse locations.
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The Value Chain team supports consumers by recommending local farmers or helping with end-to-end purchasing and logistics.
Distribution
What is Distribution? Distribution are the steps needed to get food from the producer to the consumer including labeling, marketing and transportation.
Our Role: No More Empty Pots supports the journey of food from producers to consumers in our local food system. We source fresh produce and food products from local vendors and offer storage rental options, including dry, cold, and freezer storage and assist with the transportation logistics of products. Additionally, our food subscription and access programs provide convenient delivery across Greater Omaha or pick-up at the Micro Market.
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No More Empty Pots sources its fresh produce and food products from local producers, artisans, and food entrepreneurs. Learn more about becoming a preferred vendor.
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Our facilities provide dry, cold, and freezer food storage, along with large-door garage access, aiding producers in the transportation process of their products.
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No More Empty Pots food subscription and access programs offer convenient delivery across Greater Omaha or pick-up at the Micro Market.
Food Access
What is Food Access? Food Access ensures people can access food in equitable ways that are safe, affordable, and culturally appropriate.
Our Role: We enhance food access by ensuring that people can obtain food in ways that are local, affordable, and culturally appropriate. The Micro Market in North Omaha sources products from local producers and accepts SNAP benefits, making fresh, local food more accessible. We also offer food support with prepared meals and produce for qualifying households that directly connects local farmers with consumers.
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The Micro Market is a storefront located in North Omaha that procures its food and products locally from area producers and entrepreneurs.
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Community Harvest offers food support options of prepared meals or produce for qualifying households. The Micro Market also sells products eligible for SNAP benefits.
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Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) connects local farmers directly with consumers, creating a reliable market opportunity for farmers, ranchers, and value-added producers.
Resource Management
What is Resource Management? Resource management is using resources like land, water, and food waste to protect the environment.
Our Role: At No More Empty Pots, we manage resources responsibly by prioritizing sustainability and environmental protection. Our zero-waste facilities demonstrate our commitment to reducing waste. We also reduce food waste with recovery efforts and Community Harvest, while sourcing products from vendors committed to land and resource stewardship.
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Zero Waste FacilitiesOur facilities prioritize Zero Waste, aligning to our organizational value of sustainability.
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No More Empty Pots does our part to ensure food is not wasted, acknowledging food rescue and CSA are two of our most powerful tools to fight food waste. We also partner with Saving Grace Perishable Food Rescue.
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No More Empty Pots procures products from a value chain of producers and businesses who value land and resource stewardship.
