On Wednesday, the Oklahoma Pork Council got to share more about our industry with a group of blood institute employees who office just down the hall from our staff and dozens of their colleagues who remotely joined the "Lunch and Learn" meeting focused on pork production led by Oklahoma Pork's summer interns.
Written by Presley Pullen and Gus Ward
As interns with the Oklahoma Pork Council, we recently had the opportunity to host a Lunch and Learn event with Our Blood Institute (OBI), formerly known as the Oklahoma Blood Institute. This experience proved to be both educational and a fantastic chance to collaborate with an organization that plays a vital role in serving the people of Oklahoma and shares a building with our Oklahoma Pork Council office.
To give a bit of background, Our Blood Institute is a nonprofit organization that has provided a safe and adequate blood supply to hospitals and medical facilities across Oklahoma since 1977. OBI is known for its commitment to saving lives through blood donation and its extensive community outreach programs. The work of the OBI staff ensures that patients needing blood transfusions receive the necessary support, significantly impacting our state's public health.
During our Lunch and Learn, we had the pleasure of presenting information about the pork industry to the members of the OBI team in-person and many who virtually joined the meeting. We discussed various aspects of pork production, including the importance of sustainable farming practices, animal welfare, and the nutritional benefits of pork. It was a great opportunity to share our knowledge and passion for the industry with a group of people who are equally dedicated to making a positive difference in the community.
To make the event even more enjoyable, we served delicious Empire Slice pizza, which was a big hit with everyone. There’s something about sharing a meal that brings people together, and the pizza added a fun and casual element to the event. Along with pizza, we handed out lots of great Oklahoma Pork swag, including branded merchandise and informational material about the pork industry in our state. The swag was well-received and helped create a memorable experience for all attendees.
Overall, the Lunch and Learn with OBI was an awesome experience. It was inspiring to see two organizations, each with unique missions, come together to educate and engage with one another. OBI members brought an excited attitude and were eager to ask questions about all things pork. The collaboration not only allowed us to spread awareness about the pork industry but also reinforced the importance of community partnerships in achieving common goals. We left the event feeling inspired and grateful for the opportunity to work with such a dedicated and impactful organization.