Consumer Food Safety Education in the Age of COVID-19

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 truth is, the COVID-19 pandemic has transformed us, particularly when it comes to gathering around the table for a family meal. It has uprooted our normal and has shifted.

By: Ashley Eisenbeiser, MS, CFS, Senior Director, Food and Product Safety Programs, FMI <img src="https://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/blog-images/2021-cfsec-graphic.tmb-large-350-.jpg?sfvrsn=26bf1628_1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="2021 CFSEC graphic" title="2021 CFSEC graphic" style="float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px;" />It is hard to believe that almost a year ago we were beginning to see the first cases of COVID-19 in the U.S.  I do not think anyone could have predicted how much of an impact COVID-19 would have on us, as individuals, on communities and on the entire food industry.  We knew so little about the virus then, and while we know more today, there still seems to be many unknowns. The truth is, the COVID-19 pandemic has transformed us, particularly when it comes to gathering around the table for a family meal.  It has uprooted our normal and has shifted: Where we eat and who we eat with.  Americans are eating more meals at home and they are enjoying more meals at home with their families. What food we eat. With more meals at home, more consumers report trying new dishes more often, according to <a href="https://www.fmi.org/forms/store/ProductFormPublic/home-cooking-in-america-2020-a-special-report-based-on-u-s-grocery-shopper-trends">Home Cooking in America 2020</a>, a special report based on FMI’s U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends 2020.  How we shop.  Consumers are putting more emphasis on minimizing shopping trips while relying more on online ordering of food or groceries for delivery or for pickup at the store. Despite changing consumer behaviors, the need for safe food has remained constant. Americans are cooking at home more now than ever, and even though COVID-19 is not a foodborne illness, this pandemic has highlighted <a href="https://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2020/10/02/consumers-need-help-cooking-frozen-foods">the importance of consumer food safety education</a> messaging: clean, separate, cook, chill.  It is critical that consumers know how to safely prepare foods in their home to reduce the risk of foodborne illness. The food industry has invested tremendous resources in food safety over the past decades and consumers expect safe food. According to FMI’s 2020 <a href="https://www.fmi.org/our-research/research-reports/u-s-grocery-shopper-trends">US Grocery Shopper Trends Report</a>, nine out of 10 shoppers have confidence in the safety of the food at the grocery store.  Additionally, consumers believe that food safety is a collective responsibility and they too play an important role in keeping food safe.  FMI supports the food industry in helping consumers safely prepare food at home through the support of the <a href="https://www.fightbac.org/">Partnership for Food Safety Education (PFSE)</a>.   As the pandemic continues, educating the public on safe food handling, preparation and storage has a new urgency.  That is why I encourage you to make plans to attend the <a href="https://cfsec.swoogo.com/conference/838264">2021 Consumer Food Safety Education Virtual Conference</a>on March 9-12, the only conference in the U.S. dedicated to consumer food safety education. Hosted by the <a href="https://www.fightbac.org/">Partnership for Food Safety Education</a>, this event will bring together health and food safety educators from government agencies, non-profit organizations, higher education, and the food industry who all share the common goal of improving food safety behaviors.  This year’s conference will explore many timely topics, including COVID-19 and food safety, family meals, safe recipe development, handwashing, behavior change and more! For more information about the conference, including <a href="https://cfsec.swoogo.com/conference/agenda">program details</a>, and to <a href="https://cfsec.swoogo.com/conference/begin" target="_blank">register</a>, visit <a href="http://www.fightbac.org/virtual">www.fightbac.org/virtual</a>.  <a href="https://cfsec.swoogo.com/conference/begin" class="button">Register for the Consumer Food Safety Education Conference, March 9-12, 2021</a>

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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.