April is Made in Oklahoma Month

Wednesday, April 15, 2020

FAPC provides ways to support local during coronavirus pandemic.

April is Made in Oklahoma Month, and the Oklahoma State University Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center is encouraging Oklahomans to support local food companies, even during this time of national crisis.

Andrea Graves, FAPC business planning and marketing specialist, said it is more important now than ever to support local food businesses during the coronavirus pandemic.

“Many local food companies are feeling financial strain right now and are concerned about what the future holds,” Graves said. “Local businesses are essential for our economy by bringing growth and innovation to our communities, providing employment and creating entrepreneurship opportunities.”

Graves recommends the following five ways to support local food companies and celebrate Made in Oklahoma Month, but also practice social distancing.

1. Order from your favorite restaurant once per week. Many places are offering pick-up and delivery.
2. Browse small businesses’ websites and order online for their products.
3. Buy gift cards or credit to use later.
4. Share a local food company’s website on social media, as well as restaurant delivery or pick-up menus.
5. Give a donation; cash is always appreciated.

For a list of Made in Oklahoma companies to support, please visit https://madeinoklahoma.net/ and https://www.miocoalition.com/.

“Made in Oklahoma Month is a great way to remind Oklahomans to support their local food products,” Graves said. “When you buy local products, you are putting money back into the state—keeping the products, jobs and money in Oklahoma, which is the main priority of FAPC.”

FAPC, a part of the OSU Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, helps to discover, develop and deliver technical and business information that stimulates and supports the growth of value-added food and agricultural products and processing in Oklahoma.

MEDIA CONTACT: Mandy Gross | FAPC Communications Services | 405-744-0442 | mandy.gross@okstate.edu