New Hampshire hunters can share their fall harvest with the needy through the “Hunt for the Hungry” program at the New Hampshire Food Bank. Once again this fall, the food bank is collecting donations of whole or processed game animals for distribution to more than 400 food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters and group homes statewide. Last year (2012), the Hunt for the Hungry program took in 1,700 pounds of donated deer, bear, moose and other game meat for distribution to the needy.
To donate game, and for packaging instructions, call the Food Bank at 603-669-9725, x240. If you’re donating a whole deer, you can bring it to Lemay & Sons Beef in Goffstown, N.H. (603-622-0022), and they will process it for the food bank at no charge.
Please note that the N.H. Food Bank is not equipped to accept donations of wild game birds, such as wild turkey or grouse.
“We are counting on continued strong support from hunters this year,” said Bruce Wilson, Director of Operations for the N.H. Food Bank. “Donations of protein foods fill a big need for the Hunt for the Hungry program. Venison is especially popular, a real treat for clients. Last year, we got some moose meat, and as soon as it came in, out it went! As always, we want to thank New Hampshire hunters and Lemay’s for their continued support.”
“The Hunt for the Hungry program is a great way for hunters to share their harvest and help needy families get through the winter,” said Glenn Normandeau, Executive Director of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. “Wild game is a local renewable resource that is high in protein, low in fat and all natural – not to mention delicious.”
For more information on donating to the New Hampshire Food Bank, visit http://www.nhfoodbank.org.
The New Horizons Food Bank in Manchester also accepts game donations to help feed the hungry. To donate game meat to New Horizons, call 603-628-6133, x114.
For information on hunting in New Hampshire or to purchase a hunting license, visit http://www.huntnh.com.