The Okra character is actually Delta State University's popular (but unofficial) "Fighting Okra" mascot. One benefit to the University was that, having been contacted by "Good Eats," they replaced their original costume (sewn from a green sleeping bag) with a brand new one.
The opening sequence, with Alton unable to answer a radio quiz question due to a mouthful of peanut butter, parodies the original "Got Milk?" commercial.