States Promote Venison Donations for Hungry Families

Across several states, wildlife agencies and hunger-relief organizations are encouraging deer hunters to donate venison to help feed families in need. Programs in Nebraska, New York, West Virginia and South Carolina arrange for participating processors to turn donated deer into ground meat for food banks, pantries and other community organizations, typically at no processing cost to hunters. West Virginia reported that last year’s donations provided more than 25,000 meals, while Nebraska’s program has distributed more than 900,000 meals since its launch. Arkansas State University is expanding its meat-processing facility to produce shelf-stable venison snack sticks for children’s weekend meal programs, responding to demand that has outpaced existing capacity. New York officials also urge hunters to use lead-free ammunition for donated deer to reduce the risk of lead fragments in food.