Published on Oct. 17, 2018
The phrase “Made in the USA” has been an important branding and manufacturing marker for several decades. One Mizzou Honors student, Reagan Myers, hopes that “Made in Missouri” will gain similar acceptance.
Earlier this year Myers, a journalism major, began collaborating with his state representative, Missouri House Speaker Todd Richardson (R, District 152), to bring Missouri-made products, and the stories and people behind them, to greater attention.
Myers and Richardson’s ultimate goal? Helping Missourians who are struggling to make ends meet. They want people to band together, as the holidays approach, to help stock local food pantries with Missouri-based products.
To do so, they are enlisting the support and assistance of Missourians and Mizzou students.
The initiative is being called Missouri Day 2018.
Intended to coincide with the year-long 60th anniversary celebration of MU’s Honors College, the “Missouri Made, Missouri Shared” initiative calls upon Missourians to focus on the needs of those closest to them in their communities.
Those who choose to support the project are directed to a website that spotlights products grown or manufactured right here in Missouri.
Participation is simple. Individuals, families or groups are asked to purchase a product and then donate it to their local food pantry. After doing so, post a picture of the donation on social media using @MissouriDay2018 and the hashtags #MissouriMade, #MissouriShared and #MIZHonors60.
“I am proud to be part of the Honors College and wanted to create a service project that helps others while celebrating this milestone. Missouri Day is an annual observance held on the third Wednesday of October. Missouri Day 2018 is on Oct. 17 and is an appropriate time to recognize the fact that Missouri created the first public honors college in the nation,” Myers said.
Speaker Richardson added, “This a great way to celebrate this special anniversary. Recognizing the productivity and resources of Missouri grown and made products is symbolic of what the Honors College does with these outstanding students. It is also reflective of the spirit of Missourians to share with our neighbors in need.”
The Honors College is excited to promote this project, which aims to both give aid to Missourians and accentuate the contributions of Honors College students, faculty, staff and alumni to their communities across the state of Missouri.
To participate, MissouriDay2018 can be found on the following social media platforms:
- Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/MissouriDay2018/
- Instagram | MissouriDay2018 (Event)
- Twitter | @MissouriDay2018
Everyone is encouraged to participate between now, Oct. 17 and Thanksgiving, in order to help all of our fellow Missourians.