Light pours into the Highlander Accelerator’s 65,000-square-foot greenhouse, and soon, people and produce will too. North Omaha-based non-profit No More Empty Pots will soon occupy the space and collaborate with another non-profit, Seventy Five North. Both organizations work to eliminate poverty and end hunger. The greenhouse is set to open later this year, with the grand opening on December 8.
The two organizations will offer a list of new amenities to the community that are both functional and educational. “To bring the neighborhood amenities and something as large and as grand as this greenhouse is something that’s unique for the North Omaha community,” said Jimmi Watts with 75 North. Nancy Williams with the North Omaha-based No More Empty Pots told 6 News she’s excited to share it with the community. “I have promised kale smoothies for some students who have said they didn’t like kale, but they’re willing to try some kale smoothies,” said Williams. Watts and Williams offered 6 News a tour of the space.
“There are two greenhouses. That is the north greenhouse, and this is the south greenhouse,” said Williams as she gave 6 News a tour. “On this north side, we’ll have traditional soil benches, and the pots will have soil in them. But on this side, as you can see by these circles that are laid out here, we’ll have hydroponic units. And on this side, we’ll have vertical grow spaces.”
Produce grown in the greenhouse will be sold downstairs. Anyone can purchase from the “micro-market,” and they’ll accept traditional forms of payment, such as cash and card, along with SNAP benefits. Williams said they’re working on accepting WIC and other forms of donation-based payments.
Read more at wowt.com