A Millennial Declaration to Strengthen Family Meals

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.

At the intersection of health and well-being and food safety, the Family Meals Movement signifies community service, inclusion, respect and a drive to build a brighter future together.

<p>By: Adam Friedlander, MS, CFS, Manager, Food Safety and Technical Services, FMI</p> <p><img src="https://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/blog-images/washing-vegetables-272963_1280.tmb-large-350-.jpg?sfvrsn=54d83f36_1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="washing-vegetables" title="washing-vegetables" style="float: right; margin-left: 10px;" />As a millennial food scientist with a passion for food safety education, I recognize the importance of family meals. At the intersection of health and well-being and food safety, the <a href="https://www.fmi.org/family-meals-movement">Family Meals Movement</a> signifies community service, inclusion, respect and a drive to build a brighter future together. There is an enduring opportunity to strengthen consumer trust by educating children and adults on the importance of hygiene and overall health and well-being to prepare simple, affordable  and exciting family meals while keeping foods safe at home. </p> <p>Below are key resources to help our nation stay strong with family meals.  </p> <h5><strong></strong><strong>Food Safety</strong></h5> <p>As demonstrated in <a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/handwashing">observational research studies</a>, we know consumers are more likely to follow standard food safety practices when they are given simple instructions within recipes. <a href="https://www.saferecipeguide.org/">The Safe Recipe Style Guide</a> delivers a foundational template to help home-cooks (including <a href="https://www.fightbac.org/safe-recipe-activity/">children</a>) focus on hand washing, safe cooking temperatures, reducing cross-contamination and produce safety. With a spotlight on <a href="https://meridian.allenpress.com/jfp/article-abstract/83/7/1167/426199/An-Observational-Study-of-Thermometer-Use-by?redirectedFrom=fulltext">embedding</a> food safety instructions within recipes, families can reduce meal fatigue and decrease the risk of preventable foodborne illness. </p> <p>To learn more about building strong consumer food safety cultures, please visit the <a href="https://www.fightbac.org/food-safety-basics/the-core-four-practices/">Partnership for Food Safety Education</a>. </p> <h5><strong>Health and Well-being</strong></h5> <p>Highlighting health and well-being programs can boost community participation in family meals while providing much needed nourishment to the <a href="https://www.fmi.org/family-meals-movement/make-meals-happen">mind, body and soul</a>. FMI provides detailed resources on dietary guidelines, nutrition assistance programs, self-care tips, meal planning ideas and conversation starters to encourage widespread participation in the family meals movement. In a <a href="https://www.jneb.org/article/S1499-4046(19)31154-6/fulltext">recent study</a> funded by the FMI Foundation, researchers suggested a positive correlation between family meal frequency and dietary outcomes, including an increase in fruit and vegetable intake. </p> <p>To learn more about how leaders within the food industry are promoting nutrition assistance and health and well-being, please visit <a href="https://www.fmi.org/family-meals-movement/spotlight">Family Meals Movement Spotlight</a>. </p> <h5><strong></strong><strong>Stay Strong </strong></h5> <p>According to <a href="https://www.fmi.org/our-research/research-reports/u-s-grocery-shopper-trends">FMI 2020 U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends</a>, 40% of American adults say they are cooking more at home since the COVID-19 pandemic began, but 21% of adults are voicing concern over a lack of resources to pay for food that feeds their family. In this time of uncertainty, food industry and non-profit leaders can help strengthen the Family Meals Movement by continuing to serve as a source of reliability and inspiration within the community. With a focus on critical <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html">hygiene</a> and <a href="https://www.fmi.org/forms/store/ProductFormPublic/power-of-health-and-well-being-in-food-retail-2020">health and well-being</a> outreach, children and adults can join the conversation in building a safer and healthier food system. </p> <a href="https://www.fmi.org/family-meals-movemen" class="button">Join the Family Meals Movement</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.