How Do #GrocersDoingGood Create Youth Development Programs in Communities?

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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Join a Community that Champions, Connects, and Elevates!

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 unique strength of Cooking up Change comes from its power to elevate a meal and a message created by students so that it reaches their peers locally and nationwide. Through the competition, students gain a platform to discuss the importance of raising nutritional standards with our nation’s leading policymakers, and create better tasting school food

By: Melaina Lewis, Communications Specialist, Food Marketing Institute <img src="https://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/blog-images/picture1.tmb-large-350-.jpg?sfvrsn=57887c6e_1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="Cooking up Change" title="Cooking up Change" style="float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px;" />Over the past few years, <a href="https://www.northgatemarkets.com/">Northgate Gonzalez Market</a> has been committed to improving the lives of youth in Anaheim, California. In an effort to increase awareness on the benefits of healthy eating among high-school students, Northgate Gonzalez partnered with <a href="http://mykidhealthy.org/">Kid Healthy</a> to become the first organization to regionally host Cooking up Change® in Orange County. Cooking up Change is a healthy cooking contest that provides high school students from Title I, low-income schools, the tools and training to transform their school lunch menu; develop valuable culinary arts skills, improve self-esteem, and inspires them to continue their education in culinary arts and nutrition sciences.  The unique strength of Cooking up Change comes from its power to elevate a meal and a message created by students so that it reaches their peers locally and nationwide. Through the competition, students gain a platform to discuss the importance of raising nutritional standards with our nation’s leading policymakers, and create better tasting school food. Here are more ways Cooking up Change is impacting the lives of youth in The Golden State and reforming school food systems: <ul> <li>Lunches from Cooking up Change have been integrated into the school food menus in public schools and are now served regularly in some districts including Orange County. </li> <li>Cooking up Change competition teams have created 153 student recipes and 41 after school snack recipes.</li> <li>The Orange County teams have received several national titles and nation-wide recognition for their recipes. </li> <li>More than 40 chefs have mentored students in Cooking up Change. </li> <li>The program has awarded 30 scholarships to participants.</li> <li>Raised $250,000 to support Kid Healthy, the Orange County Regional Cooking up Change contest</li> </ul> These examples and more can be found at <a href="https://www.fmi.org/get-involved/community-outreach/best-practices">FMI.org/CommunityOutreachBestPractices</a>.    Is your store creating programs for youth development in your neighborhood? Go to<a href="https://www.fmi.org/get-involved/community-outreach"> FMI.org/CommunityOuteach</a> to share your story with us. The deadline to submit a nomination for the Community Outreach Awards has been extended to Thursday, October 19, 2017.

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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.