Story by Darl Devault, Contributing Editor

On September 20th, the Oklahoma State Fair lived up to its theme, “The Place to be in ‘23,” when it hosted the “Out of This World Seniors Day” at the Fair, providing activities planned for older fairgoers.
Senior citizens 55 and older celebrated near-space travel with free admission to the fairgrounds on their special day. Many otherworldly experiences were offered to the audience throughout the day.
Many games and contests entertained senior fairgoers who preferred to kick back indoors on the hot and sunny Wednesday in the Modern Living Building. All were entertained by many acts from the space-themed stage and by visiting booths featuring alien and flying saucer decorations.
“I want to share our feedback so far is that this year was our best senior day ever,” said Lisa James, CompleteOK community liaison and event committee member. “I want to thank everyone so much for being a large part of making that happen; we appreciate all of you.” In saying this year’s was the best yet, James added, “I believe the variety of exhibit offerings for our seniors was the best I’ve ever seen.”
The day of activities, entertainment, exhibits, door prizes and health screenings designed especially for the golden agers was packed. The entertainment kicked off at 10 a.m. and finished with Elvis tribute artist Mike Black at 7 p.m.
The Special Events Area at the south end of the Modern Living Building featured outlandish interpretations of many space motifs, including four larger-than-life green aliens with humans trapped inside the costumes.
Sponsor OG&E energized the day while many of the booths donated door prizes and offered giveaways designed especially for the golden ager.
This 46th annual Senior Day at the Fair saw the Okie Stompers’ well-choreographed group display their combination of tap with line dancing as their ten performers dazzled in special out-of-this-world T-shirts. After a quick costume change to a more patriotic outfit, they displayed their ultimate toe-tapping’ clogging when they performed again at 11 a.m.
The one-minute video entries from area independent and assisted living and long-term care communities of their residents “In Motion.” were shown all day to allow the public to select the winner.
Along with the many senior-oriented booths making their services available, “Senior News and Living” gave away their September issue at their booth all day. The publication supplied two door prizes from the stage and small glider planes at their booth.
Although official attendance numbers have not been released yet, “Senior News and Living” sales executive Amanda Miller gave away 900 copies of their publication in their bags before the last 100 were available for pickup without a bag.
The audience participated in themed activities on the decorated stage. At 1 p.m., audience singers took the stage to perform in the “Out of This World Karaoke Contest.” The audience was treated to Gary Aylor’s singing performance at a Robert Goulet quality level. Archwell Health provided his prize.
Activities planned for the day that saw 4,000 seniors last year included a robust lineup of free health screenings. Major organizer OU Health provided memory and depression screening. Passport Health offered Flu, 65+ Flu, vaccines and B-12 shots while more than $10,000 in door prizes were given away in three sessions.
Many seniors picked up a ticket for each session to win one of many donated gifts These multiple drawings in the morning, the early afternoon and then again in late afternoon saw many happy seniors celebrate on their way to the stage to receive their prizes.
The 26-member Vocal Sounds of Oklahoma award-winning a cappella men’s chorus sang several Americana ballads from the stage four-part close-knit harmony for the crowd at 4 p.m. without accompaniment.
The event chairs filled up as Elvis tribute artist Mike Black drew a packed house in the late afternoon. Back from his popular performance last year, Black sang Elvis Presley’s songs at 7 p.m.
The volunteer Senior Day committee works from January through September, planning an excellent event for Oklahoma Seniors 55 and over.
Adjacent, the Oklahoma Senior Games demonstration area was busy all day, with many waiting to play Pickleball on a demonstration court. As America’s fastest-growing recreational sport, it is being widely embraced by seniors for its excellent health outcomes.

• Unintentional falls are the most common, with an estimated 5,598,438 incidents yearly.
• Unintentional poisoning came second, with approximately 1,712,272 incidents each year.
• Unintentional firearm incidents are the least common, accounting for only 26,830 emergency room visits.

A new study reveals the non-fatal injuries that most frequently land Americans in the emergency room, with accidental falls being the top cause.

The analysis undertaken by experienced personal injury attorneys John Foy & Associates, used the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to uncover the leading injuries prompting adults to seek emergency medical assistance.
Unintentional falls are the leading cause of non-fatal injuries in America, resulting in around 5,598,438 ER visits annually across all genders and ages. This type of accident may occur due to circumstances like slippery, cluttered, or unstable walking/working surfaces.
The second most common is unintentional poisoning, with around 1,712,272 individuals affected each year. From foodborne illnesses to drug overdoses, poisoning comes in many forms and represents one the largest ER risks nationwide. This category excludes the unexpected adverse effects of correctly administered drugs and bacterial illnesses like food poisoning.
Unintentionally struck by or against takes third place and accounts for 1,591,827 visits each year. These visits typically involve incidents where individuals are struck by an object, animals or person, rather than a vehicle or machinery. They can occur in a number of circumstances, such as at a person’s workplace, while walking their dog, or rollerblading on the beach.
Occupants of motor vehicles are fourth, with an estimated 1,541,393 visits each year. These accidents affect occupants of cars, pickup trucks, SUVs, vans, heavy transport vehicles, and buses and most commonly occur as a result of traffic accidents.
Unintentionally cut or pierced is the fifth most common reason, accounting for an estimated 1,293,773 visits each year. Accidental incisions, slashes, perforations, punctures, and lacerations from household or occupational objects are common examples of this non-fatal injury.
The sixth-leading cause is overexertion, which can result from activities like heavy lifting or intense workouts, and accounts for more than 1,272,977 yearly emergency department visits.
Coming in seventh is unintentional bites and stings, causing around 427,255 emergency visits. This accounts for injuries such as snake and lizard bites, bee and wasp, scorpion stings, and even jellyfish stings. This also encompasses injuries involving penetration of the skin from plants or plant parts.
Other unintentional transportation-related injuries come in eighth, with about 350,007 cases each year. These injuries include pedestrians injured while boarding transport, accidents involving power scooters, go-karts, streetcars, and even space transport.
Presence of a foreign body is the ninth leading cause, with around 277,922 yearly incidents. Such incidents could involve accidental ingestion or insertion of foreign objects, such as toys, pebbles, or dirt, into the eye or other orifices of the body.

Rounding off the top ten is unintentional pedal cyclist injuries, with 229,312 incidents. This includes accidents involving bicycles and similar transport modes, such as losing control, colliding, or other traffic-related events on public roads.

John Foy, founder of John Foy & Associates, commented on the findings:

“The data provided further important insights, when looking at sex differences between male and female ER visits. For instance, women are more frequently victims of dog bites than men, which could be in part due to the fact that more than 70% of dog walkers are female.

“Additionally, the data suggests that occupants of larger vehicles, such as cars, trucks, or buses, are 590% more likely to sustain non-fatal injuries than motorcyclists.

“It’s also noteworthy that overexertion alone results in more emergency room trips than dog bites, pedal cycle incidents, and bites and stings combined.”

About John Foy & Associates:
John Foy & Associates helps victims of catastrophic injury, wrongful death, workplace accidents, and defective drugs. The firm has been serving the community for over 25 years, helping their clients secure the compensation they deserve.

Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Methodology:
The research utilized the latest data from the CDC to identify the leading causes of non-fatal injuries among American adults aged 18-85+. Child-specific injuries were excluded to prevent skewness. Injuries were categorized and ranked based on the estimated number of emergency room visits caused. The data was then cleaned to make it easily digestible, with ‘unknown’ or ‘unspecified’ injuries removed. Patterns, like gender differences in injury types, were also investigated to provide insightful conclusions.

Images of the tables used in this release can be found here:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Mz2XkCoYG4RmiZYQmLEZEm8mgDzZ9ikV?usp=sharing

Story and links provided by https://www.johnfoy.com

In this blog, we will explore essential tips to help seniors lead a healthier and more fulfilling life. Aging gracefully involves taking care of both physical and mental well-being. By adopting certain habits and making small changes in daily life, you can significantly improve your health and enjoy the later years of your life to the fullest. Here are some key areas to focus on, courtesy of Senior News & Living OK.

Stay Hydrated

Water is the most essential nutrient for our bodies, and proper hydration becomes even more critical as we age. It’s not uncommon for seniors to experience reduced thirst sensations, which can lead to dehydration if not carefully monitored. Drinking enough water throughout the day helps maintain bodily functions, improve digestion, and enhance cognitive function. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water daily. Consider carrying a reusable water bottle with you, and if you find it hard to remember to drink, set reminders on your phone to sip regularly.

Quit Smoking Now

Smoking can have serious health consequences at any age, but it becomes even more hazardous for seniors. If you are a smoker, quitting now can significantly improve your health and reduce the risk of various diseases, including heart disease, lung disorders, and cancer. Understandably, quitting smoking can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Seek support from friends, family, or join a cessation program. Nicotine replacement therapy, prescription medications, or behavioral therapy can increase your chances of success.

Drink Less Alcohol and Seek Professional Help if Needed

As we age, our bodies’ ability to metabolize alcohol decreases, making it vital for seniors to moderate their alcohol intake. Limiting alcohol can lead to improved liver health, reduced risk of accidents, and better sleep. While occasional moderate drinking may be acceptable, excessive consumption can result in health problems. For those struggling to reduce alcohol intake, substance abuse treatment centers offer a range of professional help, including rehabilitation programs, counseling, and support groups, all of which can provide invaluable assistance in achieving a healthier lifestyle. If you’re concerned about affordability, you can find nonprofit and donation-based centers in your area.

Prioritize Getting Enough Sleep

Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for anyone, but it’s especially crucial for seniors. Quality sleep supports cognitive function, mood, and immune system health. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Establish a regular sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, even on weekends. Create a comfortable sleep environment with a supportive mattress and pillow, and consider using blackout curtains to block out light. Additionally, avoid caffeine and heavy meals close to bedtime, as these can interfere with your sleep.

Avoid Isolation

As we age, maintaining social connections becomes even more critical for our mental and emotional well-being. Engage in social activities that you enjoy, spend time with friends and family, or join clubs or groups that share your interests. Social interactions can reduce feelings of loneliness, enhance your mood, and even stimulate your cognitive function. Don’t underestimate the power of a good conversation or a shared laugh in enhancing your overall quality of life.

Embracing a healthy lifestyle is within reach for seniors by following these essential tips. Stay hydrated, quit smoking, limit alcohol consumption, prioritize sleep, and nurture your social connections. Each of these points may seem simple, but their cumulative effect can significantly impact your health and overall well-being. Remember, it’s never too late to make positive changes for your well-being. Your journey towards a healthier lifestyle starts with small, intentional steps and a commitment to your own health and happiness. Take charge of your health today, and enjoy the benefits of a more vibrant and fulfilling life as you age.

Story by Darl Devault, Contributing Editor

The Oklahoma Senior Games provided a demonstration area at the Oklahoma State Fair, featuring Cornhole and Pickleball for the whole run of the Fair while recruiting volunteers for the remainder of this year’s events.
The largest interactive demonstration court for seniors at the Fair was one of the fastest-growing recreational sports, Pickleball. It is now widely embraced by seniors for its excellent health outcomes.
Pickleball is a recreational paddle sport for all ages and skill levels. Grandparents who welcome the opportunity to try new fitness outlets can play with their grandkids to stay active.
Whether seniors are looking for a way to exercise or want to be challenged at a competitive level, there is a place in the pickleball community.
Also displayed in the demonstration area were the uniquely Native American-influenced T-shirt and medal designs that earned the National Senior Games Association’s highest award for this year, recognizing the highest standards of excellence. The Oklahoma Senior Games T-shirts and medals were cited for demonstrating innovation in program development and following the NSGA’s and its athletes’ mission. It is rare for a state to earn national awards in both design examples in the same year.
The Games organizers say they count on the warm hospitality and strong sense of community spirit our citizens have shown as volunteers to allow the Games to thrive.
“Our volunteers are a major part of how and why our state has proven itself as a great place to compete in senior games each year,” longtime volunteer Regina Stewart said. “We have grown to offer more games because of the time and energy Oklahomans who do not compete have invested in offering the Games to those who compete.”
Oklahomans with a flair for community service can help. Volunteers can help promote healthy lifestyles by encouraging active seniors 50 and over to enhance their lives through athletic and recreational competitions.
Stewart, also a Games’ senior track athlete, directly supports the concept. “This keeps me motivated to stay active and compete, which allows me to be healthy,” Stewart said.
Volunteering opportunities abound as the statewide events grow to more than 2,000 competitors this year. She said your fellow citizens need your help conducting the many activities required to allow events to run smoothly as they finish in October.
Stewart said she knows the community will continue embracing what has come to be known as the “Oklahoma Standard.” The Games promote healthy lifestyles for seniors through education, fitness and the spirited competition of sports and recreational games. This inspires everyone to embrace health and enjoy the value of sports-related exercise.
Officials ask that corporations organize groups of volunteers of 10 or more employees who can be assigned to specific sports in Oklahoma City, Moore, Yukon, Muskogee, Norman, Shawnee, Bixby, Perry, El Reno, Catoosa, Lawton, and Owasso. These groups will be kept together to spark morale within the volunteering ranks.
Senior volunteers are the largest resource for the sanctioned state organization to produce yearly state games. This help allows the events to be the qualifying sites in the Sooner state for the NSGA national competitions.
The Games provide 29 sports, games and activities, some with variations, that provide athletic training opportunities and social interaction.
These are just some of the ways to volunteer for the 10 remaining sports on the schedule in October. For Cycling at Ft. Sill, the organizers seek help with check-in, course monitors, bike holders, refreshments, and medals. The other nine sports, such as Badminton, need check-in and refreshments help. Shuffleboard organizers need scorekeepers, while Tennis needs help with check-in, refreshments, water coolers, t-shirt sales, and ball retrieving/distribution. This gives senior volunteers willing to help an idea of the help needed in Cornhole, Volleyball, Pickleball, Golf, Table Tennis, Weight Lifting, Fitness Challenge, and Racquetball.
Please visit the newly expanded https://okseniorgames.com for more info on volunteering and all the sports and games offered. Call (405) 821-1500 for general questions or email info@okseniorgames.org.

Elizabeth Von Gunten

(Right) 100 years old. Naomi Elizabeth (Oursler) Von Gunten of Stillwater is Always very active in her church & community, she regularly Facetimes & Zooms her family using her own iPad, but being the mother of wonderful children who contribute to their communities & churches is her special honor. Words of wisdom: “Go to church, be active in it & develop a strong religious faith!”

Leon Campbell

(Left) 100 years old. Leon Campbell served in the Army during World War II, had a career as an aircraft mechanic, and had many hobbies. He was a competitive dancer winning many awards. Words of wisdom to us are: Love the Live You Live and Dance Like No One is Watching!

Betty Jean Shuttee

(Right) 100 years old. Betty Jean (Field) Shuttee of Enid is a retired pediatric nurse, enjoys all music by Lawrence Welk, reading, gardening, singing, Netflix & angel food cake. Her travels have taken her to 39 countries & to every state in the US. She received a proclamation from the Mayor & a special poster made by a class of preschoolers. Words of wisdom: “Be patient, be positive and be kind to everyone!”

Phil Morgan

(Right) 102 years old. Phil Morgan is a veteran of WWII. Words of wisdom: “Put God first, go to church and develop a close walk with the Lord. Cherish your family, spend time with them, time goes fast, and kids grow up too quickly. Honor the military, respect the United States of America.”

KNOW A CENTENARIAN?
Please visit http://centenariansok.com/ and download and submit our form.

by Greg Schwem

I have never been a fan of restaurants owned by, or associated with, celebrities. I could be if, while dining, the celebrity whose name is on the door and the menu were sitting near me or, preferably, being told the wait is “over an hour, since you don’t have a reservation.”
So far, that hasn’t occurred. I’ve never spotted Michael Jordan devouring a T-bone at Michael Jordan’s Steak House; never saw Jimmy Buffett – may he rest in peace – working the blender at Margaritaville or encountered Robert De Niro dunking tuna sashimi into soy sauce at Nobu. During Oprah Winfrey’s six-year run as a partner in Chicago restaurant The Eccentric, I visited one evening and pointedly asked the waiter if Oprah was really in the kitchen, whipping up a side dish known only as “Oprah’s Potatoes.”
She wasn’t.
Also, a visit to a celebrity-owned restaurant invariably ends with a bill that could easily be paid by a celebrity but not us common folk. The same holds true in grocery or liquor stores. I’ll happily save a few bucks and not purchase the Guy Fieri barbecue sauce or the Nick Jonas tequila. My football tailgates won’t suffer.
And yet, I recently found myself feeling sorry for actor Paul Newman. And not because he’s dead.
Newman, star of classics including “The Sting,” “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” and “The Color of Money,” not to mention the owner of steely blue eyes, launched a line of “Newman’s Own” salad dressings in 1982. According to newmansown.com, the line grossed $300,000 in its first year. None of those profits came from me, for I remember picking up a bottle of Newman’s Italian dressing while in college, glancing at the price and immediately placing it back on the shelf. My date, who I promised to cook for, “Italian style,” had to settle for generic dressing, which did its best to compliment the other generic products that dotted the menu. Cash-strapped college students were not Newman’s target demographic.
Eventually Newman parlayed his success into other foods, including pizza, spices, olive oils and spaghetti sauces. It was the latter that caught my eye during a recent grocery visit. Newman’s Own Marinara, Tomato & Basil and Sockarooni (“so delicious it could knock your socks off,” the website proclaims) sauces were among the CHEAPEST on the shelves.
College students, there’s a SALE in aisle five! Paul Newman has been officially marked down!
How did Newman allow brands like Rao, Barilla and Classico to dominate the “too lazy to make your own sauce” market, charging upward of $2 more for sauces? Sad to say, I think it’s because the name “Newman” no longer carries the relevance it used to. Cool Hand Luke died 15 years ago this month. The more time that elapses, the more likely shoppers will pick up a bottle of Newman’s Own and say, “Who?” before putting it back.
Yes, we are a celebrity obsessed culture, but we also want to feel like we have a connection with the celebrities we support. If Taylor Swift launched a line of gum and charged $5 per stick, I am certain sales would still explode, for what young girl doesn’t want their breath to smell like Taylor’s?
Now fast-forward 15 years. Taylor will be 48. Probably married with a couple of kids. Maybe doing a 90-minute Vegas residency as opposed to a three-and-a-half-hour stadium show. Will her gum still be a hot commodity? Or will it be alongside the gossip rags and the disposable lighters in the grocery checkout aisle while a new female singer, who probably is currently in preschool, is charging $10 per stick. And making millions.
This time, I tossed two jars of Newman’s sauce into my cart, not because they were cheap but because I don’t want Paul Newman, whose films I still watch, to fade away. Besides, the labels say, “100% profits to help kids” and, as vague as that sounds, kids need all the help they can get these days.
Now I just have to find that college girl and invite her over for a dinner that will knock her socks off.

(Greg Schwem is a corporate stand-up comedian and author of two books: “Text Me If You’re Breathing: Observations, Frustrations and Life Lessons From a Low-Tech Dad” and the recently released “The Road To Success Goes Through the Salad Bar: A Pile of BS From a Corporate Comedian,” available at https://www.amazon.com/. Visit Greg on the web at https://www.gregschwem.com/.
You’ve enjoyed reading, and laughing at, Greg Schwem’s monthly humor columns in Senior Living News. But did you know Greg is also a nationally touring stand-up comedian? And he loves to make audiences laugh about the joys, and frustrations, of growing older. Watch the clip and, if you’d like Greg to perform at your senior center or senior event, contact him through his website at https://www.gregschwem.com/)

https://www.navigatingmedicare.com/

Dear Savvy Senior, Which vaccines are recommended for Medicare seniors this flu season? Just Turned 65

Dear Just Turned, There are actually three different types of vaccines seniors should consider getting this fall to protect against a repeat of last winter’s “tripledemic” of respiratory illnesses, which included flu, RSV and coronavirus. Here’s a rundown of the different vaccines the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending and how they are covered by Medicare.
Senior-Specific Flu Shots For people age 65 and older, there are three flu vaccines (you only need one) that the CDC recommends over traditional flu shots.
These FDA-approved vaccines provide extra protection beyond what a standard flu shot does, which is important for older adults who have weaker immune defenses and have a greater risk of developing dangerous flu complications compared with younger, healthy adults. The three senior-specific options include the: Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent vaccine, which contains four times the amount of antigen as a regular flu shot does, creating a stronger immune response for better protection. Fluad Quadrivalent vaccine, which contains an added ingredient called adjuvant MF59 that also helps create a stronger immune response. FluBlok Quadrivalent vaccine, is a recombinant protein (egg-free) flu vaccine that contains three times the amount of antigen as compared with a regular flu shot.
There isn’t enough evidence yet to indicate whether one of these three vaccines provides superior protection over the other two for seniors.
As for side effects, you should know that the Fluzone High-Dose and Fluad vaccines can cause more of the mild side effects that can occur with a standard-dose flu shot, like pain or tenderness where you got the shot, muscle aches, headache or fatigue. While the side effects of Flublok tend to be a little less frequent.
All flu vaccines are covered 100 percent by Medicare Part B as long as your doctor, health clinic or pharmacy agrees not to charge you more than Medicare pays.
New RSV Vaccines Anyone age 60 and older, especially if you have any heart or lung conditions, diabetes, kidney or liver disorders that make you vulnerable to the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) should consider getting one of the new FDA approved RSV vaccines (either Arexvy or Abrysvo).
These vaccines, recommended by the CDC, will help protect older and immunocompromised adults from respiratory illness, which is responsible for 6,000 to 10,000 deaths and at least 60,000 hospitalizations each year in seniors 65 and older.
The new RSV vaccines are covered by Medicare (Part D) prescription drug plans.
Updated Covid Booster If you haven’t had a Covid-19 booster shot lately, you should consider getting one this fall. Even though the Covid public health emergency has ended and the number of cases has gone way down, it has been surging in recent months causing an increase in hospitalizations, especially among the elderly.
The updated Covid vaccine targets the XBB omicron subvariants that are some of the most dominate coronavirus variants circulating in the U.S. It will also provide protection against the EG.5 variant (Eris), which is closely related to the XBB.
Covid booster shots are covered 100 percent by Medicare Part B.
When and Where Most health officials agree that it’s safe to receive the flu and Covid booster at the same time. But because the RSV vaccines are new this year, many doctors are recommending a two-week window between an RSV shot and the flu and/or the COVID shots.
You can find all three vaccines at most pharmacies, medical clinics and health departments, or you can do a search at Vaccines.gov.
Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

mailto:csibleyinsures@gmail.com

United States Representative Tom Cole received the National Distinguished Advocacy Award this week, the most prestigious award presented by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), in recognition of his significant contribution in the fight against cancer to increase research funding.
ACS CAN, the advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, presents the annual award to select lawmakers who demonstrate outstanding leadership in the area of cancer-related public policy advocacy.
“Representative Cole has repeatedly distinguished himself as a leader and true advocate on cancer advocacy issues, particularly through his commitment to increased biomedical research funding,” said Lisa Lacasse, president of ACS CAN. “His introduction of the Strengthen the Pediatric Research Initiative Act, to provide additional funding for childhood cancer research, is a true testament of his commitment to save lives from pediatric cancer. ACS CAN appreciates his steadfast leadership in investing in cancer research to improve public health nationwide.”
“Representative Cole is a true cancer leader”, said Howie Jackson, cancer survivor and ACS CAN Oklahoma CD-04 ACT Lead volunteer. “His commitment to providing additional funding for child cancer research is a testament to the value he sees in our next generation of Oklahomans.”
The award was presented on Sept. 19 as part of the annual ACS CAN Leadership Summit and Lobby Day. Nearly 700 cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones met with their elected officials to urge them to support policies that increase funding for cancer research and prevention programs and address barriers that prevent diverse populations from enrolling in clinical trials.

Throughout the month of September, the University of Oklahoma Food Pantry will be competing with the University of Texas’s food pantry, the UT Outpost, to see which pantry can receive the most shelf-sustainable food.
The competition has been named the “Red River Food Fight” and the winner will be named the “Red River Food Fight Champion.”
Matt Marks, campus care coordinator and director of the OU Food Pantry, said they are hoping this competition will help both universities as they try to combat the above-average rates of food insecurity within each of the respective states.
“It’s a fun way to celebrate a historic rivalry,” Marks said. “There’s a lot of competitiveness on the football field, but we are coming together to combat food insecurity and hunger, which plagues both our states. Texas and Oklahoma are two of the hungrier states in our nation and this is a great way to come together to take steps to solve this problem. We’ve got a great relationship with the pantry down in Texas, and just had great conversations with them to bring this together and unite around a very heated game to try to take care of people within our communities.”
Royce Coleman, sophomore biochemistry major in the Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences and OU Food Pantry associate director of campus engagement, said he began having conversations with UT last fall.
While there was immediate interest, the timeline was too near to effectively execute the drive. But this year, the timing was right.
“The initial goal of the competition was to utilize our historic rivalry and our extremely passionate fanbases toward benefiting both of our food pantries, which in turn would allow us to better provide for our students and staff,” Coleman said. “We are hopeful that the many fans of this rivalry (the greatest college rivalry in the nation, if I may say so myself) will join us in promoting this competition and help us combat the food insecurity that exists on our campuses.”
Valeria Martin, assistant director for basic needs at the University of Texas at Austin, said there was no hesitation when the OU Food Pantry representatives approached them.
“We were so excited when the OU Food Pantry team approached us with the idea to collaborate in a friendly competition for the benefit of our campus pantries,” Martin said. “Our goal for the Red River Food Fight is to raise awareness about UT Outpost in our community. Drawing on the rivalry and competition helps energize our campus around supporting UT Outpost and keeping the pantry stocked while making more students aware of UT Outpost as a resource.”
The winner of the Red River Food Fight will be announced on Oct. 7, the day of the Red River Rivalry football game. Boxes to donate canned goods and shelf-sustainable food to the OU Food Pantry have been scattered across campus; donations also may be made directly to the food pantry. Other items and monetary donations are always welcomed but will not go toward the competition.