STILLWATER, Okla. A partnership between the Oklahoma State University
Student Government Association, the Oklahoma Collegiate Cattlewomen, and
the Oklahoma Beef Council to raise money for food insecurity across OSU's
campus kicks off Feb. 8.
The initiative, Cowboys Helping Cowboys, is focused on social media
interaction with funds being donated for each engagement (like, comment or
share). For every engagement on the OCCW Facebook page and on the Oklahoma
Beef Council Instagram page from Feb. 8, 2021, to Feb. 14, 2021, the
Oklahoma Beef Council will donate $1 toward the purchase of beef sticks
for the OSU SGA food pantry, up to $2,500.
In addition, OCCW and the Oklahoma Beef Council are also giving away five
$50 gift cards at random to those who share why they are fueled by beef.
"OCCW is eager to promote the importance of the beef industry and food
insecurity through SGA's food pantry known as Pete's Pantry," said Kinzie
Burtrum, OCCW president. "With the help of SGA and the Oklahoma Beef
Council, OCCW will help spread awareness of food insecurity on campus."
Forty-three percent of students consider themselves to be food insecure,
according to a 2018 OSU graduate student survey. In addition, protein is
the most difficult food group to keep in stock at Pete's Pantry.
"It's a fact that animal protein products and other grocery items high in
protein are donated less frequently than other items like snacks and
cerealŠ Food banks only receive enough protein to represent 1 percent of
their total distribution," according to an article by Karen Hanner,
Feeding America managing director of manufacturing partnerships.
The goal is also to teach others about the importance of beef in the diet,
Burtrum said.
"Beef is an excellent source of protein and supplies 10 essential
nutrients including B-vitamins, zinc, and iron that support an active and
healthy lifestyle," according to the Beef. It's What's For Dinner website.
Pete's Pantry is located on campus at 211Q Student Union. It is open 9
a.m. 5 p.m. Monday through Friday with other times available by request
and is free for all OSU students and faculty.
For more information on how to participate in Cowboys Helping Cowboys,
follow the Oklahoma Collegiate Cattlewomen on Facebook and @oklahomabeef
on Instagram. Students in need of support to meet basic needs should visit
www.bit.ly/basicneedsOSU.
About Oklahoma Beef Council
The Oklahoma Beef Council is a non-profit organization led by beef farmer
and rancher volunteers serving Oklahoma's 50,000 farming and ranching
families through the Beef Checkoff, a federal commodity program. Its
vision is to be a positive difference for Oklahoma farming and ranching
families and the greater beef community through serving its mission to
enhance beef demand by strengthening consumer trust and exceeding consumer
expectations.
About OSU SGA
OSU SGA strives to serve OSU students and make their voices heard across
campus. SGA partners with faculty, staff and the Board of Regents to
ensure OSU is in constant improvement. SGA provides funding and implements
changes to better the campus, community and most importantly the students'
way of life. Students are encouraged to seek involvement in SGA through
one of the numerous committees or by representing a constituency in the
senate.
About OCCW
OCCW is a campus organization housed in the OSU Ferguson College of
Agriculture and is made up of young women who share an interest in
supporting and promoting the beef industry. The primary goal is to create
opportunities at OSU for those involved in this organization to challenge
themselves as leaders in the beef industry.
