Through Hunters for the Hungry, 9,904,712 servings of venison have been donated to Tennesseans in need since the program’s inception.
Second Best Season on Record
Last year, Tennessee Wildlife Federation’s Hunters for the Hungry celebrated its 25th year with a record number of whole deer and total pounds donated. Tennessee deer hunters showed up in big ways again for the 2023-24 deer season by donating an incredible 3,132 deer—a new program record!
These deer were taken to one of 76 participating processors across 54 Tennessee counties and provided 589,688 servings of lean venison protein to be distributed through local hunger relief organizations.
“The vast network of hunters, processors, and food pantries is what makes Hunters for the Hungry successful. It’s really amazing to watch this program grow each year and see the impact that growth has on communities across the state.”
Matt Simcox, Hunters for the Hungry manager
Expanding Our Reach
Eleven new processors joined the program this year, expanding the reach to 5 new counties. These program partners processed and distributed a combined 6,846 pounds of donated venison, equivalent to 27,384 servings.
Odom’s Deer Processing in Rutherford County contributed 19 deer to the program this year, a very impressive first-year number.
“Being a participant of Hunters for the Hungry has been a breeze our first year. We were [connected] with two local nonprofits in our area. Both places are quick to come pick up the meat, usually within 24 hours,” said Brad Odom, owner of Odom’s Deer Processing. “We find it gratifying to know these donations are going to feed local people.”
Since 1998, Hunters for the Hungry has provided more than 9.9 million servings of healthy, much-needed protein to the hungriest Tennesseans, through the generosity of hunters and processors. Hunters for the Hungry manages the network of participating processors and coordinates with food banks and soup kitchens to receive the processed venison, which they then provide to community members in need.
