Hunger Challenge is an initiative of the Federation’s Hunters for the Hungry program, which connects food banks and soup kitchens with caring deer hunters.
The challenge raises critical funds to help feed hungry Tennesseans and serves as an educational experience for students. By participating, students gain important skills in humanitarianism, club-building, leadership, and philanthropy.
“The Hunger Challenge is just one example of how Tennessee Wildlife Federation is constantly working to engage youth in the outdoors,” said Matt Simcox, Hunters for the Hungry manager.
“Involvement in the Hunger Challenge teaches students respect for wildlife and what it means to be good stewards of our resources. The Federation is impressed by the commitment of these students and grateful for their contributions to the program.”
Hunger Challenge begins again in August and schools interested in participating can visit the Hunger Challenge page for more information.
State Champion
Christian Brothers High School earned the most points in the state for venison donations, fundraising, and volunteer work.
They won the Statewide School Top Gun Award for raising more money for the program than any other school—$20,000, which will support processing of 67,200 servings of venison.
The school also secured donations of venison that will provide 1,848 servings of venison to those in need in the area.
Will Wolbrecht and Patrick Koch, both of Christian Brothers, tied for the Top Fundraisers. Will was the Top Harvester—donating 11 deer.
Region 1 Champion
McKenzie High School earned the second most points in Region 1.
They were also awarded the Statewide Top School Harvester Award for donating 26 deer—approximately 4,368 servings of venison––more than any other school in Tennessee.
McKenzie High School also raised $2,500 for the program, which will make processing 8,400 additional servings of venison possible.
Region 2 Champion
The Region 2 champion is Smith County High School.
The school also won the Statewide Top School Volunteer Award for volunteering a collective 270 hours––more than any other school in Tennessee.
The club donated 21 deer donated which provides 3,528 servings of venison to Tennesseans in need.
Smith County High School club member J.R. Hord won the award for individual Top Harvester in the region––donating seven deer.
Region 3 Champion
Morgan County High School was the Region 3 champion.
Students donated nine deer—approximately 1,512 servings of venison—to the program.
Morgan County High School club member Andrew Taylor secured the donation of more deer than anyone else in the region, winning him the individual Top Harvester award.
Region 4 Champion
Jefferson County High School earned the most points in Region 4.
A total of 25 deer were donated—enough to provide 4,200 servings of venison to hungry Tennesseans.
Jefferson County High School club member Josh Dennis won the award for individual Top Harvester in the region—donating five deer.
