Sportsmen’s groups helping feed hungry

The Toledo Blade is reporting on hunters who are once again reminding hunters that each pound of venison can feed up to four hungry people if donated to area food banks.

From the story:

Begun in 1997, Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry has helped to bring nearly 13 million servings of venison to soup kitchens and food pantries across the country.

With about 100 chapters in 30 states, including both Ohio and Michigan, the organization partners with hunters and meat processors to turn a hunter’s prize into a nutritious meal for the needy.

“I got involved in this originally because it’s a cause,” said Allen Dunlap, 39, of Sylvania, a 27-year hunter who has since passed his passion to his two sons. “I love to hunt, so why not help somebody?”

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Again, from the story:

Rick Wilson, executive director for the national organization based in Maryland, said Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry was born several years ago on a day he stopped to help a woman with what he thought was car trouble. Instead, he learned that she was hungry.

“It turned out to be a little, six-point buck. I assumed she hit it with her car,” he said, recalling what it was that the woman needed help with. “She said no, she didn’t hit it, she just wanted to take it home because her kids were hungry.”

Within a week or two, Mr. Wilson found meat processors in his area willing to reduce the cost of processing venison and began donating meat to those in need.

The concept grew.

In Toledo, the Blade reports Mr. Dunlap’s group works directly with the Toledo Northwestern Ohio Food Bank, which offers up the meat to shelters and those who need it.

“The Toledo Northwestern Ohio Food Bank has a relationship with area hunters wanting to donate to those who are less fortunate,” said James Caldwell, food bank president and CEO. “We welcome anyone interested to learn more about the program, especially with meal opportunities over the holiday season.”

For more information about donating venison, go online at www.fhfh.org, or in Michigan at www.sportsmenagainsthunger.org.