Hunters and meat processors partnered to donate more than 72,000 pounds of meat to Texas food banks during the 2000-2001 hunting season through Hunters for the Hungry.

Donations of venison and other wild game provide protein for food assistance recipients, nearly half of them children, according to the Texas Association of Community Action Agencies, which runs the program.

The success of the program depends on the collective efforts of hunters, meat processors and food-assistance providers. Hunters take their legally harvested deer, feral hogs and other wild game to participating meat processors, who process and package the donated meat for a nominal fee to cover costs. Meat processors then notify local food banks, pantries, emergency feeding sites, and community- and faith-based organizations, which distribute the meat to families in need.

Volunteer organizations, meat processors and hunters interested in working with Hunters for the Hungry should contact Monica Murphy or Laurie Stephens of TACAA at (800) 992-9767.