Ever since 1993, Georgia's Hunters for the Hungry program has been feeding families with venison donated by Georgia's participating hunters and meat processors. This healthy, rich protein source is the only red meat that doctors recommend to cardiac patients due to its low fat content, and it's an excellent way to support the food-insecure. The 2024-2025 season has been wonderful, having already delivered 86,426 pounds of donated venison! That's equivalent to 345,704 servings for needy Georgia families ... but Georgia Hunters for the Hungry aren't done.
Although deer season ended in January, the organization is hoping to add more pounds to the total through Georgia’s farm permit program with hopes of reaching the goal of 145,000 pounds for the 2024-2025 season. The program is looking for help from hunters, farmers, and processors to finish this season strong and continue building in preparation for the fall. (For more information, or to apply to become a processor, visit gwf.org/ghfth.)
Hunters for the Hungry is sponsored by the Georgia Wildlife Federation (GWF), and connects Georgia hunters with local food banks to turn excess venison into a vital resource for families in need. “There are a lot of deer in Georgia, and a lot of food insecurity,” said GWF President and CEO Mike Worley. “This program represents the best of Georgia’s hunting heritage — conservation, community, and compassion.”
With support from the Georgia General Assembly and the Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division, the program grew dramatically in 2024 — expanding from 6 processors to 54 active processors and counting. Additional funding is allowing for the purchase of mobile coolers and other equipment to handle more donations and reach more communities.
Program Coordinator Lee Walker emphasized the need for more partners to keep pace with demand: “We’re currently accepting new processors for the 2025–2026 season. We encourage hunters and farmers to recommend their trusted local processors so we can invite them to join the program.”
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