The Ohio Department of Natural Resources(ODNR) Division of Wildlife has contributed $25,000 in a grant to Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH) to support local food banks with donated venison. The organization will use the funding to pay for white-tailed deer harvested by hunters to be processed and distributed to charitable organizations in Ohio. Additional funding will be secured by FHFH with a goal to match or exceed the amount provided by the grant.

Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry, assisted by the Division of Wildlife’s grant, covers the processing cost for deer donated by hunters for the program. FHFH expects to pay the processing cost for 350 deer with this grant alone, each of which yields approximately 50 pounds of venison and 200 meals.

“This generous grant from the Ohio Division of Wildlife will help the hunters of Ohio provide nutritious meat for thousands of meals to the hungry,” said FHFH Executive Director Josh Wilson. “Support from the Division has been instrumental in helping our program expand to serve the needy in so many communities across the state. We are very grateful for their continued partnership!”

“I’m proud that the Division of Wildlife and Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry can combine their resources to put even more venison on the table for the people who need it most,” said Division of Wildlife Chief Kendra Wecker.

The mission of the Division of Wildlife is to conserve and improve fish and wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainable use and appreciation by all. Visit wildohio.gov to find out more.   ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.