STILLWATER, Okla. – Oklahoma citizens know, first hand, the importance of helping each other in times of need, and Oklahoma companies understand that value, as well.

Hurricane Katrina left many in need, and several business clients of the Food & Agricultural Products Center, located on the Oklahoma State University campus, were there to answer their call.

Corey Stone, FAPC business planning and marketing specialist, said the most rewarding aspect of being a specialist at the FAPC is the opportunity to affect a client's quality of life by helping them grow their business.

"It has been just as great an experience to see so many companies we work with step up to provide aid to the victims of Hurricane Katrina," he said.  "Oklahomans have always been among the first to contribute aid in times of crisis, and it is no surprise to see 
Oklahoma businesses react the same way."

The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma coordinated the efforts of businesses to aid in restoring the operations of the New Orleans Food Bank, which was inaccessible after the hurricane.

Among the businesses that the FAPC has assisted and provided goods and/or services were Chef’s Requested Foods of Oklahoma City, Refrigerated Delivery Service of Tulsa, Okla. and No Man’s Land Beef Jerky of Boise City, Okla.

In a news release from the Food Bank, Executive Director Rodney W. Bivens said, “We appreciate the generosity of these Oklahoma companies to donate equipment and staff to the relief efforts. The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma is committed to using any resources that we have to helping aid the affected areas.”

Chef’s Requested Foods donated a truck and driver, and along with a driver from Refrigerated Delivery Service, moved food items, cots and blankets to the devastated New Orleans area.

The owner of Chef’s Requested Foods, John Williams, is a newly appointed member of the FAPC Industry Advisory Committee.

“The FAPC has a very good relationship with Chef’s Requested Foods,” said Dave Moe, FAPC pilot plant manager.  “We have assisted the company with several technical projects including shelf life and microbiological services.”

No Man’s Land Beef Jerky, in conjunction with the Oklahoma Beef Council, donated $10,000 worth of beef jerky to Hurricane Katrina victims.  The FAPC's history with No Man's Land goes back to more than 8 years, shortly after the FAPC opened, said Chuck Willoughby, FAPC business planning and marketing specialist.

"It is great to see how the company has grown from a restaurant selling jerky at the counter to a successful manufacturer and marketer of beef jerky," he said.  "It is wonderful that they are able to share that success with those in need."

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Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating.  The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.

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