No More Empty Pots is pleased to announce it was recently awarded $310,000 in total from United Way of the Midlands (UWM), including $60,000 from the Community Care Fund and $250,000 from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) fund granted through UWM on behalf of the City of Omaha (federal award number SLFRP0230). Thanks to the generosity of UWM donors and thoughtful community volunteers, food insecure households in Omaha will have greater access to fresh food from local farmers through the Community Harvest program.

Community Harvest reduces food insecurity by distributing prepared plant-based meals and Community Supported Agriculture “CSA’’ shares; increasing the awareness of local food options and producers in Omaha; and providing education on the nutrition, food preparation and storage of fresh food. The program specifically targets vulnerable populations including the eldery, individuals with autoimmune disorders, survivors of cancer and children under 18 years old. Improved nutrition provided through Community Harvest helps families and individuals to withstand the daily stresses of poverty and the added stress of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

With the help of this grant, No More Empty Pots is able to bolster the local food system by expanding markets for area producers and food artisans, while removing the barriers that food insecure individuals and families face in accessing affordable healthy food including awareness, cost and transportation. ARPA funds specifically will be used to serve individuals and families who struggle with access to healthy food through product procurement and delivery of services.

Angela receives CSA shares of local produce through Community Harvest. Angela is a survivor of cancer who enrolled in Community Harvest to expand her family’s food budget while recovering financially from the cost of cancer treatment. She and her sons have learned to prepare new tasty meals together that utilize local produce through No More Empty Pots. Angela said, “[Community Harvest] has helped myself and my sons… try things we have never had before that are healthy for our bodies.”

“This funding from United Way of the Midlands provides a lifeline of support for individuals and families in greatest need. From recovery to prevention, access to and the benefits of consuming nutritious food is critical for our neighbors. We are grateful to each donor and United Way of the Midlands for their generosity that makes this access and delivery possible,” said Nancy Williams, President/CEO of No More Empty Pots.

About United Way of the Midlands

For nearly 100 years, United Way of the Midlands (UWM) has served the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro by bridging the business and not-for-profit sectors to create a Circle of Support that helps our neighbors overcome difficult challenges and start building a better future. UWM’s funded programs and direct services address social and economic disparities and meet families’ essential needs such as healthy food, safe and stable housing, physical and mental health services, career preparation and job training. For more information, visit www.unitedwaymidlands.org

About No More Empty Pots

No More Empty Pots is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission 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. No More Empty Pots’ vision is to support communities in becoming self-sufficient, and food secure through collaboration and adherence to our core values of education, stewardship, and sustainability. NMEP serves youth to seniors providing educational, hands-on and experiential learning. Learn more at www.nmepomaha.org or email info@nmepomaha.org.