There a variety of ways to get involved with Hunters for the Hungry for both hunters and non-hunters.
Deer donations
White-tailed deer hunters may donate either a whole field-dressed deer or a portion of their processed venison through their local Hunters for the Hungry certified deer processor. (Processors may accept non-field-dressed deer, but reserve the right to charge an additional fee for that service.) Each processor is assigned a quota of deer annually that may be processed for free or at a discounted rate to the hunter. Check with your local processor for details. The packaged venison is subsequently provided to area food banks or pantries and distributed to Tennesseans in need. Hunters for the Hungry venison is often the main source of fresh protein available to food banks.
Monetary donations
Hunters for the Hungry operates entirely on a combination of grants and individual donations. The processing dollars available each year — and the amount of venison made available to Tennesseans in need — is directly related to these donations, so rest assured that your donation will have an impact. (A donation of $10, for example, can help provide up to 30 meals.) To make a donation, click here and select “Hunters for the Hungry” in the gift designation area of the donation form. Your transaction will be safe, secure, and tax-deductible.
Deer Coin
A Hunters for the Hungry Deer Coin is not only a great way to fight hunger, but it makes a terrific gift for any white-tailed deer hunter in Tennessee. When you make a donation of $50, we will send you a deer coin that can be presented to a Hunters for the Hungry certified deer processor in the state for FREE processing for one donated deer. Get all the details HERE.
Volunteering
Just as Hunters for the Hungry needs funding to operate, it also needs “boots on the ground” in the form of volunteers. This is mainly about finding ways to raise awareness and let people know about the incredible impact this program has made in the past and will continue to make. Volunteer opportunities are only limited by our imagination! Examples might be speaking to church groups about the program; setting up a booth at a community “hunter’s night out” event; helping to serve meals at your local soup kitchen; or distributing Hunters for the Hungry triangle vehicle decals to friends and family. Never hesitate to call us at (615) 353-1133 or email manager Matt Simcox to discuss volunteer opportunities. We can help with hand-outs and decals.
Hunger Challenge
One of the most exciting ways to get involved with Hunters for the Hungry is through our Hunger Challenge, a points-based competition for high school students across Tennessee. Go to our Hunger Challenge page for details!