Mission Statement

Community CROPS (Combining Resources, Opportunities, and People for Sustainability) helps people work together to grow healthy food and live sustainably.

Vision Statement

Lincoln is a community that values all people and where everyone has access to locally grown healthy food. Our community grows together, celebrating life and culture and recognizing our connection to the Earth.

Our gardens provide the opportunity to share knowledge, educate, experience personal growth, and provide green spaces for mental, spiritual and physical healing and well-being.

We are creating a resilient system where people can earn a living by feeding our community and conserve precious resources for future generations.

History

Community CROPS was started with one community garden in 2003, and has grown over the years to become a successful organization. CROPS now has sixteen community garden sites, a training farm, a successful Community Supported Agriculture program, a regular stand at the Old Cheney Road Farmers' Market, and more.

Community CROPS currently has five full-time staff positions, three AmeriCorps members, and numerous volunteers who help with our projects, as well as a great group of farmers and gardeners.

Contact Information

Community CROPS
1551 S. 2nd Street
Lincoln NE 68502
(402) 474-9802
info@communitycrops.org

Office hours are generally Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm, but feel free to call to ensure we are here.

Current Staff

• Ingrid Kirst, Executive Director
• Leslie Pillen, Growing Farmers Program Manager
• Amy Brt, Community Garden Program Manager
• Brendan Evans, Outreach Coordinator
• Justin Jones, Farm Production Coordinator
• Barb Brockley, Office Assistant
• Brent Schmoker, AmeriCorps Member
• Jessica Prenosil, AmeriCorps Member
• Lovena Glantz, AmeriCorps Member
• Kerry Maline, Equipment Manager
• Erin Frank, Farm Intern and Youth Program Coordinator

You may contact CROPS staff members by e-mail by using addresses as such: firstname@communitycrops.org

Community CROPS Board of Directors

• Matt Jewell, President and Treasurer
• David Smith, Vice-President
• Liz Sarno, Secretary
• Alice Henneman
• Bertine Loop
• Chris Sommerich
• Twyla Hansen
• Crystal Powers
• Sharon Baker
• John Doran

Our Funders

CROPS is funded by a number of local and national funding sources including:

• Lincoln Community Foundation
• United Way
• Woods Charitable Fund
• Cooper Foundation
• Heifer Project, International
• Foundation for Sustainability and Innovation
• State of Nebraska Value Added Agriculture Program
• Renewing Earth and Its People Fund
• Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program
• North Central Risk Management Education Center
• USDA Farmers Market Promotion Program
• USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant
• Community Health Endowment
• WealthSpring Fund
• Numerous individuals and businesses