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Local nonprofit helps the community through agriculture

Posted at 4:39 PM, Dec 31, 2020
and last updated 2020-12-31 17:44:30-05

OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — On nearly nine acres of land in North Omaha greenhouses are flourishing, even in winter, with fresh produce for those in need — all thanks to Omaha Permaculture.

“It's No More Empty Pots, Table Grace Cafe, and Black Men United Open Pantry… Not only with chicken eggs but also coupled with the greenhouses, we have some fresh greens that are also able to be distributed at least once a week,” said Omaha Permaculture founder Gus Von Roenn.

Lately, they’ve been donating about 40 pounds of produce weekly.

“I think we wound up this year total from April’s production all the way to December, we just broke 12 hundred pounds,” said Von Roenn.

The environmental nonprofit fosters the community by caring for land that has been abandoned, sometimes littered with junk, and transforming the property into things like pocket parks and community gardens.

“I think that what our organization is growing and helping our communities do is finding solutions within these communities so that there are no problem areas of Omaha or Nebraska and that all land is used with an intent,” said Von Roenn.

Greenhouse manager Rainer Machel’s enthusiasm for his work is contagious. He’s in charge of planting beds with vegetables and maintaining greenhouses, among other duties.

His favorite parts of his job include...

“Getting to work with the earth, planting seeds, seeing things grow, seeing things bigger every time I come out here,” said Machel.

A big component for Omaha Permaculture is demonstrating and educating the public on how they can grow their own food.

“It's important to show people what possibilities are in this area and that with the proper conditions they can grow produce here year-round and not just during the growing season outdoors,” added Machel.

Visit this website for more information on how to get involved with Omaha Permaculture.

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