'Hoops for Health' Raises $5,000 for No More Empty Pots
The Creighton women’s basketball team raised $5,000 during its 2024-2025 season through a “Hoops for Population Health” promotion supported by Creighton’s Institute for Population Health and the Heider Family Foundation. Throughout the season, the Heider Family Foundation generously sponsored a $50 donation for every three-point shot the women’s team made during home games, up to a total of $5,000.
Coach Jim Flanery and team members presented the check to Talia McGill, president/CEO of No More Empty Pots, at the organization’s greenhouse at 2120 N. 30th St. in early May. The Bluejays closed the season with 128 made three-pointers in the 12 games played at D.J. Sokol Arena (11) and the CHI Health Center Omaha (1). Creighton reached the maximum threshold for the donation with more than three games remaining on the home schedule.
“We are excited to be in partnership with No More Empty Pots and the Creighton Institute for Population Health in bringing both financial support and awareness to the need of food security and equity through Hoops for Population Health,” said Lauren Jensen, a senior on the team this past season. “Thanks to leaders on campus and in the community, we are able to make a positive impact that is in line with Creighton’s mission. This opportunity is one we have immense gratitude for in being able to make a difference and connect with people in our community.”
The Institute sought a partnership with the women’s basketball team to develop the student-athletes’ understanding of population health and help them understand that, even if they were not planning to go into a health profession, they still have opportunities to affect the health and health equity of their community.
In 2024, No More Empty Pots:
- Served 5,043 individuals in 49 zip codes
- Grew more than 65 unique plant varieties at the No More Empty Pots Greenhouse and Food Hub
- Opened a Micro Market local foods storefront in the Highlander Neighborhood
- Graduated 35 adults from the Culinary Certificate Program
- Distributed 4,887 produce boxes and 8,972 meals across the Omaha Metro
- Sourced over 600 unique food products from local farmers, producers and ranchers
- Provided over 627 hours of gardening and culinary education
No More Empty Pots is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2010 in North Omaha with a mission to improve self-sufficiency, regional food security and economic resilience of urban and rural communities through advocacy and action. No More Empty Pots connects individuals and groups to meaningful opportunities in the local food system by providing entrepreneurial support for local food businesses, hands-on education, improved food access and workforce readiness training. Visit www.nmepomaha.org to learn more.
