Retailers Stay Within the Circle of Trust with Food Safety

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.

Year after year, FMI’s U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends Report shows consumers consistently trust their grocery store when it comes to food safety. This year, 93 percent of shoppers trust their grocery store to ensure the food they purchase is safe. No matter what consumers priorities are or what the latest trend is in food, food safety is at the heart of the grocery industry to maintain shopper trust. Whether it’s providing information about a product, food safety or preparation tips - retailers continue to be a trusted source of information.

By Ashley Eisenbeiser, MS, CFS, Director, Food and Product Safety Programs, Food Marketing Institute <img src="https://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/photos-for-staff-use/seafood/20161208-fmi-0576_ed-web.tmb-large-350-.jpg?sfvrsn=6bd76c6e_1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="20161208-FMI-0576_ed WEB" title="20161208-FMI-0576_ed WEB" style="float: right; margin: 10px;" /> Year after year,<a href="https://www.fmi.org/our-research/research-reports/u-s-grocery-shopper-trends"> FMI’s U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends Report</a> shows consumers consistently trust their grocery store when it comes to food safety. This year, 93 percent of shoppers trust their grocery store to ensure the food they purchase is safe. No matter what consumers priorities are or what the latest trend is in food, food safety is at the heart of the grocery industry to maintain shopper trust.  Whether it’s providing information about a product, food safety or preparation tips - retailers continue to be a trusted source of information. This year’s <a href="https://www.fmi.org/our-research/research-reports/u-s-grocery-shopper-trends">Trends Report</a> also showed that shoppers believe it is essential for retailers to improve access to and choices in the types of food that shoppers want to eat.  Expanding access to a broader selection of food brings a number of challenges including ensuring these new suppliers have a robust food safety program. However, retailers’ are committed to food safety in all areas of their operations and will continue to assure all products-new or old-meet food safety specifications.   <h5>This is how retailers are working to remain within their customers’ circle of trust:</h5> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"> <li>Engaging with supply chain partners to ensure all suppliers have strong food safety programs and ensuring food has been produced according to the highest standard by requiring a GFSI-certification program, such as those offered by the <a href="https://www.sqfi.com/">Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI).</a></li> </ul> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"> <li>Participating in national campaigns to encourage and help families share one more meal together for <a href="https://www.fmi.org/family-meals-month">National Family Meals Month</a>, while sharing fun ways to educate customers on basic food safety steps in their home kitchens for <a href="http://www.fightbac.org/food-safety-education/food-safety-education-month/">National Food Safety Education Month</a>.</li> </ul> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"> <li>Connecting with customers through apps such as <a href="http://www.smartlabel.org/">SmartLabel</a>® and <a href="https://www.foodsafety.gov/keep/foodkeeperapp/index.html">FoodKeeper</a> to share product information, including information about allergens, nutrition, ingredients, product certifications and shelf-life.</li> </ul> <h5>Want to learn more about getting involved in these initiatives?</h5> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"> <li>Attend the <a href="https://www.fmi.org/forms/meeting/MeetingFormPublic/view?id=4FF67600000020">SmartLabel Summit</a> September 26-27 in Arlington, VA.</li> <li>Attend the <a href="http://www.sqfi.com/forms/meeting/Microsite/SQFConf-2018">SQF International Conference</a> October 23-25 in Atlanta, GA.</li> </ul> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"> <li>Challenge customers to pledge to share <a href="https://www.fmi.org/family-meals-month">one more meal at home each week with their families</a> using items purchased from the grocery store.</li> </ul> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"> <li>Join the <a href="http://www.fightbac.org/food-safety-education/food-safety-education-month/">Partnership for Food Safety Education</a> to raise awareness on the importance of safe food handling during National Food Safety Education Month.</li> </ul>   For more food safety resources, visit the <a href="http://www.fmi.org/food-safety/food-safety-resources">FMI Food Safety Resource Page</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.