If you're a deer hunter, then chances are you've heard of Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH), a venison-donation ministry...and if you haven't, then please allow us to introduce you. This year, FHFH's ministry and message is more important than ever. The COVID-19 pandemic has put millions of Americans out of work, so they need nutritious protein to feed their families. Unfortunately, the same pandemic may have affected your ability to get your excess venison processed.
Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH) would like to remind hunters to avoid frustrating surprises by checking with your local butcher or professional meat processor to ensure that they're open, and that no local COVID-19-related ordinances or other factors will prevent your donation. It's not just about business closures, interestingly: It's about the pressure on processing plants caused by this year's fresh meat shortage.
“The impact of COVID-19 on some of the larger commercial processing plants in locations across the country has had a trickle-down impact on many local butchers and meat markets,” said FHFH Executive Director Josh Wilson. “There are some meat processing locations that are completely booked with livestock processing until well into the new year – and as a result some have opted to pause the deer processing portion of their business until they are caught up. With more people than usual depending on food assistance programs and ministries due to the pandemic, we are encouraging all hunters to plan ahead and make sure they can continue to donate their deer this season.”
In the event that your local processor is not handling deer at all this season, it may be possible to find an alternate location for donation or custom deer processing within a reasonable distance. FHFH has a handy list of participating butchers here. Additionally, you may enjoy learning to process your own venison...our friends at American Hunter can show you how!
FHFH has distributed nearly 21 million servings of nutritious meat to local food banks and ministries that serve the needy across America since 1997.? Financial support from individuals, businesses, churches, organizations, and foundations enables FHFH to pay participating butchers a discounted rate to process and package deer and livestock donated by hunters and farmers.
Want to get involved? FHFH would love to hear from you! Visit www.fhfh.org, call toll-free (866) 438-3434, or email staff@fhfh.org for more information.
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