No More Empty Pots Community Programs Emphasize Hands-On Experience

Photo courtesy of No More Empty Pots

Story by Tiffany Brazda

No More Empty Pots (NMEP) is known for its efforts to provide food security, but it also provides programs for self-sufficiency and economic resilience. Two of its signature programs help students and entrepreneurs reach their potential through tailored experiences.

Specialized internships

The Claire M. Hubbard Science Internship is geared toward high school students interested in natural sciences. It runs a semester long and utilizes the on-site lab at the NMEP Greenhouse at 2120 N. 30th St. 

“They learn a variety of science techniques covering everything from biology to horticulture to paleontology to archeology,” said Programs Director Amy Fletcher. “We try to tailor the program to best meet the student’s interests.”

Fletcher said the students work on projects that will give them an understanding of different fields and end their semester with a final project and a resumé. 

“We know that specifically in BIPOC communities, science education can be a huge gap, and we really wanted to try to address that,” she said. 

Students are paid for their work, and cohorts are limited to three to four students at a time. 

“They also do some culinary arts, so they get to work in our commercial kitchen,” Fletcher added.

Participants can tailor their experiences by leaning into their strengths and interests.

Dream business

Entrepreneurs are also given opportunities to hone their crafts, no matter how established their venture is. The Kauffman FastTrac program gives new entrepreneurs the building blocks to grow a new business.  

Launching its very first cohort in February, NMEP guides participants through a 16-week program to develop a business plan, gain financial management skills, and connect with mentors. 

“The participants come in once a week for in-person learning sessions, and they have reading and homework to do in between,” Fletcher said. “The goal is that when they walk out of our program, they will have a business plan so that they can launch their business, or continue to refine it as they get ready to launch their business.” 

Fletcher said similar programs cost upward of $1,600, and NMEP offers the program free of charge to make it more accessible. Participants are all food-focused businesses and end the program with a pitch competition. 

“I think my favorite aspect of my job, in particular, in this role, is just helping build the programs,” she said.

The NMEP team follows graduates of its programs and celebrates their wins. Fletcher said recently that a former entrepreneurship program graduate launched their own brick-and-mortar space. 

“It's like the most exciting feeling in the world, and you feel so proud of them, and it's so cool that you get to watch them grow from just an idea to a thriving business that's helping employ not just themselves but other people,” she added. 

If you are interested in applying for future cohorts of these programs, visit https://nmepomaha.org/programs/.