Made in Oklahoma Coalition challenges Oklahomans to raise funds for local food banks

Proceeds from sale of MIO paper towels will support the Food 4 Kids program

The Made in Oklahoma (MIO) Coalition is encouraging Oklahomans to buy local, and today announced a challenge to Oklahomans to purchase 1 million rolls of MIO paper towels before the end of April 2010, which the governor has declared “Made in Oklahoma” month.

“We want to rally the community to support Made in Oklahoma products, especially during the month of April,” said Richard Wasson, executive director of the MIO Coalition. “When Oklahomans buy local products, they’re supporting Oklahoma’s economy and helping keep good jobs in our state.”

Proceeds from the sale of MIO paper towels benefit the Food 4 Kids backpack program at the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma and Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma.

Since March 2009, MIO has raised more than $36,000 to support the program, which provides more than 10,000 backpacks of food to hungry children each week. As a result of the coalition’s donation, more than 170 children have been added to the program.

“The funding provided by the MIO paper towels is essential to the success of our Food 4 Kids program,” said Rodney Bivens, executive director of the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. “We are very grateful to the coalition for the thousands of dollars they’ve provided to support the food bank.”

The coalition represents more than 30 Oklahoma food manufacturers that employ 20,000 Oklahomans statewide. Member companies represent more than 25 different Oklahoma towns and cities and a variety of food industries.

“We are proud to be a Made in Oklahoma Coalition member,” said David Brooks, regional sales manager with Shawnee Mills. “Not only do they support the food banks with sales of paper towels and cookbooks, but they support the state by encouraging people to buy local products and invest in Oklahoma.”

The coalition is encouraging Oklahomans to help meet its goal of 1 million paper towels through outreach on social networking sites Facebook and Twitter. To connect with MIO on these sites, visit www.facebook.com/madeinoklahomacoalition and www.twitter.com/MIO_Coalition.

For more information and to see a countdown to 1 million rolls of paper towels, visit www.miocoalition.com.

Made in Oklahoma (MIO) Coalition

The MIO Coalition promotes brand awareness and consumer loyalty for Oklahoma food products through collective marketing for the purpose of increasing sales, maintaining business retention and expanding Oklahoma's food processing sector. The MIO Coalition represents more than 30 Oklahoma food manufacturers that employ 20,000 Oklahomans statewide. The coalition is supported by both private and public funds. For more information, please visit www.miocoalition.com.

Back to News