Missouri conservation officials encourage deer hunters to donate surplus meat

By Christen Smith

This ground venison was donated by deer hunters and processed at Clarks Custom Meat Co. It will be distributed at Second Harvest Community Food Bank through the Share The Harvest program.(Photo: Jessica Stewart/ News-Press Now)
State officials in Missouri reminded deer hunters this week to consider donating surplus meat to food banks as part of its annual “Share the Harvest” program.
The Missouri Department of Conservation in partnership with the Conservation Federation of Missouri created the fundraiser in 1992 as a way to feed the state’s most vulnerable populations. Last season, nearly 4,300 hunters donated 198,000 pounds of venison to participating meat processors. The meat was then broken down, packaged and shipped to food banks statewide.
“Hunters started Share the Harvest because they saw a need in their communities,” said MDC Director Sara Pauley in a press release Tuesday. “And hunters remain the driving force behind this popular program that helps feed our fellow Missourians who are in need. We sincerely thank the thousands of deer hunters who support Share the Harvest, along with the many participating meat processors and sponsors.”
Trina Clark, owner of Clark’s Custom Meat Co., told News-Press Now her shop processed 400 pounds of deer meat last year for the Second Harvest Community Food Bank

Source: Guns.com