Donated Deer Feeds Hungry in Local Area

Hunters can combine their love for the sport with giving to those in need this deer season.

‘Farmers and Hunters Feed the Hungry’ is encouraging hunters to donate deer which will provide meat to the Muskingum County Hunger Network.

“They’ve kind of figured that around 200 meals can be provided because you can really add this with things to make it go farther but it’s amazing and the people love it,” said Chapter Coordinator Robert ‘Bob’ Daniels. “I mean we’ve had people already asking here at the Christ Table, ‘When’s the venison coming, when’s the venison coming?'”

The Hunger Network provided 936,077 meals to the hungry in 2014 and deer meat can help pantries and hot meal programs provide more meals throughout the winter season.

“Here’s a chance to help people and I’m amazed at the number of meals that are going on and being provided for in this county by the four food pantries that actually have meals and you’ve got the pantries, there’s 30 something pantries that provide all kinds of stuff,” said Daniels. “The numbers are staggering. When I show the National Rifle Association (NRA) people what we’re doing, they just can’t believe there’s that many people in need and I say ‘yeah and we’re just one county’.”

To donate your deer you can simply drop them at one of the participating meat processors. Old Village Meats in Frazeysburg, Shirer Meats in Adamsville, and Phillips Processing will all accept donated deer and process them free of charge.

The NRA raises funds to help with processing fees and the Ohio Division of Wildlife matches each dollar raised.