(OLNEY) Another reminder that the Hunters Feeding Illinois program is returning for its fourth season this year. The ultimate goal is to connect hunters with meat processors and food pantries to support access to lean protein for statewide residents and families in need. With food pantries now in 50 Illinois counties taking part, hunters can donate whole harvested deer at no cost as partnering meat processors are accepting deer, although hunters should call participating processors in advance to confirm they have slots to accept deer. Illinois Extension serving Richland, Lawrence, Edwards, Wabash, & Wayne Counties has been added to the program with two participating meat processors, Charlie’s Deer Processing & Smokehouse and Legacy Meats, both in Lawrence County, plus the fresh ground venison will be delivered to five local food pantries, including The Master’s Hands in Olney, The Giving Hope Food Pantry in Olney, The Good Samaritan of Richland County in Olney, The Sign of the Kingdom in Sumner, and the Circle A Servolution in Allendale. Folks can donate online at donorbox.org/hunters-feeding-illinois. If questions, call Alizah, the SNAP-Ed Educator for the local Extension Unit, at the Extension Office in Albion, at 618-445-2934.
