Hunters for the Hungry Ready for Hunting Season
“Bedded Down Buck” by David Olive
The 2016–17 deer season is underway in Tennessee, and Hunters for the Hungry is ramping up for a big year. Of the 80 participating deer processors in 64 Tennessee counties, 65 have funding available that allows generous hunters to donate a deer at no cost. Last year, Tennesseans provided nearly 600,000 meals through the Hunters for the Hungry program, making the total more than five million meals since the program began in 1998.
Back again for sale this year are Deer Coins, available for a $50 tax-deductible donation, which covers the cost of processing one deer. These make great gifts for clients and friends—purchase a coin and challenge your neighbor to provide a deer. For more information and to purchase a Deer Coin, CLICK HERE.
Another recent initiative is the High School Hunger Challenge, which now includes 18 schools across the state. Challenge clubs compete with each other for bragging rights. Points can be earned by speaking at events, volunteering at a soup kitchen or food bank, donating a deer, and educating the public on Hunters for the Hungry. Last year, students raised more than $21,000 and volunteered over 1,000 hours.
“This program is benefiting hundreds of thousands of Tennesseans who need help each year, and the Deer Coin and Hunger Challenge are ways to engage more people in the effort to provide more meat protein to food pantries and missions who need it so desperately in the cold months,” said Hunters for the Hungry Program Manager Matt Simcox. “More of our processors have funding this year to accept deer donations at no cost, so we encourage hunters to take an extra deer and give it to the hungry. Our website includes up-to-date information on processors and quotas.”
For more information, CLICK HERE.
