On Giving Tuesday this week, Board President Joe Locke set the 2024 Oklahoma Pork Council Give-A-Ham Challenge in motion by hosting a generous community feeding event for students, staff, and others outside the Oklahoma State University (OSU) Student Union in Stillwater.

Joe, who serves as Director of Sow Operations for Tyson's Pork Group, used his impressive pitmaster skills to cook up 500 Blue & Gold Sausage breakfast biscuits and more than 700 pulled pork sandwiches to grateful OSU cowboys throughout the day. Through his Give-A-Ham Challenge video linked here, Joe also encouraged others to donate pork products within their own communities, including tapping Governor Kevin Stitt and fellow Oklahoma Pork board member Cathy Vaughan to participate. Additionally during Tuesday's free feeding event, Joe went on the air with WWLS the Sports Animal's Jim Traber motivating Jim and those listening to give hams or other pork this month as well.

Thanks in part to helpful volunteers like our OSU Pork Industry Group students and several Oklahoma Pork board members, the Oklahoma Pork Council distributed heartfelt giveaways like branded hand warmers, gloves, hats, bags, and more while sharing pork's story of generous giving with those who came by for a free meal. A special shout out to VIPs like OSU First Gentleman Darren Shrum and OSU College of Agriculture Dean Jayson Lusk for joining the fun and supporting pork producers!

Between now and Christmas, we encourage all our members to take part in the Give-A-Ham Challenge. Donate a holiday ham to your local food bank, deliver a pork meal to a neighbor, volunteer at a charity you support, or meet another need you see in your community. The "Giving Season" is the perfect time to spread generosity and make a small difference at the local level. Share your participation by posting a photo or video on social media using #GiveAHam.