A program of Tennessee Wildlife Federation, Hunters for the Hungry partners with deer hunters, wild game processors, and food banks across the state to provide venison protein to Tennesseans in need. When a hurricane ravaged parts of the state, these partners stepped up even more to ensure these communities were fed.
Stepping Up to Meet a Great Need
During opening weekend of the 2024 deer archery season, Hurricane Helene swept across the eastern United States, bringing heavy damage to parts of East Tennessee. In the storm’s aftermath, Tennesseans rallied to help those in need—including local deer hunters.
H&H Market, a meat processor in Elizabethton and a Hunters for the Hungry partner, quickly began cooking extra venison from their freezers to feed relief workers. As word spread beyond Elizabethton, local hunters stepped up, donating their harvests to H&H, which provided more than 2,000 servings in just a few days.
Expanding Relief Efforts
Hunters across the state were eager to join the effort. Tennessee Wildlife Federation partnered with Second Harvest Food Bank and 23 participating processors to transport donated deer to recovering communities. For two 2-week periods, hunters could designate their donated harvest specifically for hurricane relief efforts.
The response was overwhelming in the best way.
Hundreds of hunters chose to send their harvest to East Tennessee, donating more than 22,000 pounds of venison—equivalent to more than 90,000 servings of lean protein given to thousands of Tennesseans working to rebuild their homes and lives.
“Seeing hunters across the state step up like this was truly heartwarming. What started with one processor feeding relief workers quickly turned into a statewide effort to help communities in need. It’s moments like this that make me especially proud to be part of this program.”
Matt Simcox, Hunters for the Hungry manager
Thanks to Tennessee’s deer hunters and processors, families recovering from the storm had a reliable source of nutritious meals when they needed it most.
