Donated venison from Ohio hunters can support local food banks under a program run by Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry.

With a $30,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Wildlife, the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization works with 34 certified deer processing shops across the state to harvest venison.

“Each donated deer yields approximately 50 pounds of venison, which equates to about 200 meals,” according to ODNR. 

The nonprofit group pays participating butchers a discounted rate to process the donated meat for distribution by food banks and feeding ministries.

“This grant will enable us to provide thousands of meals to those struggling with hunger while fostering a meaningful connection between hunters and the communities they support,” said Josh Wilson, executive director of Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry.

During the 2023-24 deer hunting season, FHFH coordinated processing of 1,157 deer, and 79 charitable organizations distributed the meat, according to Division of Wildlife data. 

For more information go to feedingthehungry.org.

First Published December 10, 2024, 8:17 p.m.