From blood drives to barbecue rewards, state pork associations are finding ways to serve communities, raise awareness of how pig farmers care about their community and promote the most delicious food in the world. Here’s how two states are finding ways to make a difference.
NORTH CAROLINA:
Join Us for the #SummerofCue
The North Carolina Pork Council is hosting the Summer of ‘Cue and rewarding visitors who stop in North Carolina restaurants this summer for barbecue (or any other pork dish) and post a picture on social media with the #SummerofCue hashtag.
As the “Barbecue Capital of the World,” North Carolina is home to more than 450 barbecue restaurants — and a visit to your favorite spots now offers more than just a tasty barbecue sandwich, pork chop or rack of ribs.
“Everyone has a barbecue bucket list. This is a perfect excuse to get out and enjoy some great barbecue and support our local restaurants,” said Jen Kendrick, NC Pork Council communications director. This summer, Kendrick will visit a different barbecue restaurant across the state each week with a special guest and post videos on Facebook and Instagram at @ncpork.
The Summer of ‘Cue promotion was launched last year to help struggling restaurants during COVID. The campaign generated visits to nearly 150 unique restaurants and food trucks across North Carolina.
To earn rewards, visit a restaurant three or more times between now and Labor Day. Post a picture on social media, tag @ncpork and use the #SummerofCue hashtag to register your entry. Rewards include stickers, t-shirts and can coolers. For complete rules, visit www.ncpork.org/SummerofCue.
OKLAHOMA:
Oklahoma Pork Council to Host Pre-Memorial Day Blood Drive
For the past 15 years, the Oklahoma Pork Council and the Oklahoma Blood Institute have teamed up for the annual Pre-Memorial Day Blood Drive. This year’s event will be held on May 27-28 at all Oklahoma Blood Institute Donor Centers and at two mobile locations.
“We urgently need people to give before the Memorial Day weekend. The lives of patients could easily be in jeopardy without help before this first summer holiday,” said John Armitage, M.D., president and CEO of Oklahoma Blood Institute. “We are truly grateful for those who take just an hour of their time to help patients in our area.”
Participate by giving blood at your local Oklahoma Blood Institute Donor Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can also donate at the mobile locations at Tinker Federal Credit Union in Moore on Thursday, May 27, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Lowe’s North off Pennsylvania Avenue and Memorial Road on Friday, May 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
All donors will receive a free pork meal from the Oklahoma Pork Council and a “For the Love of Bacon” t-shirt. Plus, donors will be entered to win a new smoker, and their choice of one free admission to the Oklahoma Science Museum, one ticket to Frontier City or two admissions to Safari Joe’s H2O Water Park.
Less than 5% of the world’s population donates blood. Last year, 1,259 Oklahomans donated in the Pre-Memorial Day Blood Drive, bringing the total number of donors in the past 15 years to 12,536. This is equivalent to 37,608 lives saved.
“Dedication to supporting and strengthening our communities is a large part of who Oklahoma pig farmers are,” said Kylee Deniz, Oklahoma Pork Council executive director. “The Pre-Memorial Blood Drive is just one of the ways Oklahoma pig farmers and okPORK staff back. We look forward to collaborating with the Oklahoma Blood Institute each year.”
More information about the okPORK Pre-Memorial Day Blood Drive including locations and scheduling appointments can be found at obi.org. The Oklahoma Pork Council encourages all blood types to make a difference in someone’s life by giving blood. To learn about okPORK, visit okpork.org.
More from Farm Journal’s PORK:
Misguided Ruling Could Upend the Lives of Many Hog Farmers, Sorenson Says
