Cowboys Helping Cowboys initiative set to raise money for food insecurity on OSU’s campus

Tuesday, February 2, 2021

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 cereal… 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.

 

MEDIA CONTACT: Samantha Siler | Agricultural Communications Services | 405.744.2977 | samantha.siler@okstate.edu

Amarie Griffeth | SGA Chief of Staff & Food Insecurity Director | amarie.griffeth@okstate.edu