Hunters Feeding Michigan Program Sets New Record for Venison Donations

The “Hunters Feeding Michigan” program (HFM) has achieved a significant milestone, setting a new annual record for venison donations. In the fiscal year concluding on September 30, the initiative successfully channeled 140,000 pounds of high-quality protein to food banks across the state. This substantial volume of donated meat translates directly into providing more than 560,000 meals to communities facing hardship throughout Michigan. Since its full operational launch in 2007, HFM has been instrumental in coordinating the crucial efforts of hunters, wild game processors, and charitable organizations to combat hunger.

The long-term impact of this initiative is profound. Since its inception in 2007, the program has collectively delivered over 3 million servings of essential protein to those in need. Joe Presgrove, a Program Specialist with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), noted the growing enthusiasm among hunters willing to contribute their harvest. He regularly receives correspondence from food distribution centers expressing deep gratitude for the consistent supply of much-needed protein. Crucially, the program is sustained entirely through voluntary financial contributions made by hunters and anglers when they purchase their licenses, ensuring that the costs associated with processing the donated game are fully covered.

The operational framework of Hunters Feeding Michigan efficiently links donors, processors, and the extensive Feeding America network. Hunters are able to drop off their legally harvested deer for processing at any participating facility without incurring any personal cost. The processed venison is then distributed by the Food Bank Council of Michigan (FBCM), which serves as a vital partner to the DNR. Established in 1984, the FBCM is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that manages seven regional food banks, ensuring comprehensive coverage across all 83 counties of the state.

This record-breaking effort arrives at a critical juncture, given the escalating levels of food insecurity gripping the state. According to the 2024 Map the Meal Gap report, which utilizes data collected in 2022, Michigan's overall food insecurity rate climbed to 14.2%, impacting more than 1.4 million residents. Within the FBCM's service area, the rate stood at 13.6%, representing a staggering 28.6% jump compared to the previous year. Distressingly, every single county in Michigan recorded an increase in the number of residents experiencing hunger. Furthermore, the report highlighted a deeply troubling 52.5% surge in the rate of food insecurity among children. The high-quality protein supplied by the HFM program remains one of the most consistently requested items by food banks statewide.

To maintain and surpass this vital contribution, the DNR encourages both residents and visitors to consider making a financial contribution when they purchase their hunting or fishing licenses. A modest donation of just $3, for example, can fund the processing necessary to provide more than four servings of venison to Michigan residents. Additionally, to ensure the donated meat is utilized effectively, the FBCM provides informational resources, including recipes and preparation advice, helping recipient families incorporate this nutritious product into their diets.