The Hunters Feeding Michigan program is a long-running project by the state’s Department of Natural Resources to connect hunter donations, wild game processors and charities to help feed those in need.
Food Bank Council of Michigan's Agriculture Program Specialist Garrett Zuver explains the new partnership.
“We have been a part of the venison donation program I believe since the 90s, but we recently became the new contract holders for the DNR. They moved on from a past vendor and the Food Bank Council is now the official contract holder for this program.”
FBCM has seven regional food banks covering all 83 Michigan counties distributing through church pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters and school programs.
Last month one outlet, Feeding America West Michigan, had 32 truckloads of food - largely protein - cancelled by federal cuts.
Zuber says protein is always an important staple, so the DNR program is a great fit.
“There's lots of hunters in Michigan and obviously lots of deer so our food banks are always looking at new ways that they can provide highly nutritious protein to those in need because protein is a huge ask. A lot of people use protein for cooking for their families and we see venison as a great opportunity to put out more nutritious protein for those families.”
FBCM is also providing handouts on venison recipes and cooking tips for those unfamiliar with preparing it.
