With hunting season around the corner, many hunters will soon find their freezers packed with venison. The Hunters for the Hungry program offers a convenient way to donate extra venison to help feed people in need. Interested hunters can take legally harvested deer to a participating meat processor, who will process and package the meat for a nominal fee to help cover basic costs. Meat processors make arrangements with local food assistance agencies to distribute the meat to people in the community who need food. In San Saba County, deer can be donated at Hibler Family Processing in San Saba.

Last hunting season, hunters donated nearly 176,000 pounds of meat to the Hunters for the Hungry program through 90 participating meat processors in 64 counties. San Saba County donations totaled 490 pounds last season.

Organizations providing food always need protein sources – an important, but often expensive food category. Low in fat, venison nutritiously fulfills the protein category in a healthful way. The venison donated to the Hunters for the Hungry program goes to food pantries, soup kitchens, churches, and shelters. Individuals and families impacted by ill health, job layoffs, domestic violence, natural disasters, and other personal crises benefitted from the venison last season. All were appreciative of the delicious meals that resulted from Hunters for the Hungry donations and the generous hearts of the hunters and meat processors who made it possible.

Be part of the solution to hunger. For a complete list of participating meat processors, visit www.tacaa.org/hunters.htm. The list of processors grows every season. Additional processors are always needed. If the processor you use is not on the list, encourage them to participate by contacting program staff during business hours Monday – Friday at (800) 992-9767, extension 506.

Monetary donations to support the program are always welcome. See the website for details.

Local meat

processor offers easy

way to donate venison