“Make Every Bite Count” with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans

Promoting and Advancing Petroleum Marketing, Retail Grocery, and Convenience Stores in West Virginia

Driving Local Business and Community Growth Across West Virginia

Our Purpose and Commitment

OMEGA is a West Virginia-based organization dedicated to supporting and advancing the business interests of the state’s petroleum marketing, retail grocery, and convenience store industries.

As a network of over 225 locally owned businesses, OMEGA actively promotes cooperation, advocates for favorable legislation, and provides education and resources to its members. With over 50,000 employees, OMEGA members significantly contribute to the state’s economy, generating more than 10% of all state taxes and supporting local communities through scholarships, charitable donations, and civic involvement.

OMEGA is committed to fostering industry growth while serving West Virginians with essential services like fuel, food, and convenience.

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Your Essential Connection in West Virginia

OMEGA offers three types of membership: Convenience Store Members, Petroleum Marketer Members, and Grocer Members, all of which play a vital role in providing fuel, food, and essentials across West Virginia. As a liaison with state and national agencies, OMEGA works closely with organizations like NACS, PMAA, FMI, and the N.G.A. to advocate on behalf of its members.

We keep members informed through newsletters, legislative updates, an online resource hub, and educational seminars. Additional member benefits include access to the Encova Workers’ Compensation Discount Program and participation in our annual Trade Expo and fundraising efforts for children’s charities. OMEGA is here to support, advocate, and enhance the success of our industry members.

The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans were released as anticipated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Health and Human Services (HHS) just before the end of 2020. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Purdue emphasized that, “good food leads to good health” during the announcement on December 29th, noting that the guidelines will serve to, “help all Americans lead healthier lives.”

<p>By: Krystal Register, MS, RDN, LDN, Director, Health & Well-being, FMI<br /> <a href="https://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/blog-images/dga_2020-2025_the4guidelines_cropped.png?sfvrsn=94a5d8da_0"><img src="https://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/blog-images/dga_2020-2025_the4guidelines_cropped.tmb-large-350-.png?sfvrsn=94a5d8da_1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="DGA_2020-2025_The4Guidelines" title="DGA_2020-2025_The4Guidelines_cropped" data-openoriginalimageonclick="true" style="float: right; margin: 10px;" /></a></p> <p>The 2020-2025 <a href="https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/"><em>Dietary Guidelines for Americans</em></a> were released as anticipated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Health and Human Services (HHS) just before the end of 2020. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Purdue emphasized that, “good food leads to good health” during the announcement on December 29<sup>th</sup>, noting that the guidelines will serve to, “help all Americans lead healthier lives.” <a href="https://www.fmi.org/newsroom/latest-news/view/2020/12/29/fmi-commends-the-release-of-the-2020-2025-dietary-guidelines-that-promote-connections-between-food-and-health">See FMI's press release announcement</a>. </p> <h5>True Purpose of the Dietary Guidelines</h5> <p>As we ring in this New Year amidst an on-going pandemic, the true purpose of the <em>Dietary Guidelines</em> carries newfound meaning to help consumers proactively stay healthy, feel better, and enjoy food. The recommendations are designed to provide science-based advice for all Americans, regardless of age, race, or socioeconomic status, to build meals and snacks to help prevent disease and promote health. The guidelines also incorporate important food safety messaging.</p> <h5>Science-Based Thoughtful Process</h5> <p>Federal law requires that the <em>Dietary Guidelines</em> be, “based on the preponderance of current scientific and medical knowledge.” They are updated every five years, each edition building on the last, with revisions grounded in the <em>Scientific Report of the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee</em> and consideration of federal agency and public comments, <a href="https://www.fmi.org/government-affairs/regulatory/comments/view/comments-filed/2020/08/13/usda-and-hhs-written-comments-on-the-2020-2025-dietary-guidelines-advisory-committee-scientific-report-(august-13-2020)">like those provided by FMI this past summer</a>. It is important to understand the scientific and methodical process behind the guidelines to fully embrace the foundational role they play in federal nutrition programs, outreach and education, and overall public health.</p> <h5>Call to Action for All Americans</h5> <p>The new <em>Dietary Guidelines</em> say Americans should focus on the following for better health: </p> <ul> <li>Balance the foods we eat to follow an overall healthy pattern of eating at every life stage.</li> <li>Use the general framework to meet our personal preferences, traditions, and budget. </li> <li>Include a variety of nutrient-rich food and beverage choices to meet our needs.</li> <li>Use moderation when it comes to added sugars, saturated fat, sodium and alcohol.</li> </ul> <p>We all have a role to play, using the <em>Dietary Guidelines</em> as a springboard to boost the health of our nation. The theme to “Make Every Bite Count” encourages consumers to choose nutrient-rich foods and beverages, with a note that it is never to early or too late to make the <a href="https://www.myplate.gov/">connection between good food and good health</a>.</p> <h5>Small Changes for Better Health</h5> <p>With growing interest in health and well-being, there is great opportunity to help consumers make small changes while shopping, cooking and eating to gradually adopt healthy habits more closely aligned with the <em>Dietary Guidelines</em>. The food industry works diligently to deliver a marketplace full of healthy, accessible, nutrient-rich food and beverage choices. Education and encouragement by registered dietitians and community health professionals, meeting consumers where they are to make small changes, holds promise for improved public health.</p>

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Supporting West Virginia Communities

OMEGA members play a vital role in West Virginia, supporting communities through substantial tax contributions and a wide-reaching presence across the state. With over 55% of the population living in border counties, our members are dedicated to serving both local and regional needs. Beyond business, we’re proud to give back, having contributed over $3.1 million to children’s charities since 2003, reflecting our commitment to making a positive difference.