(Greensburg, Indiana) –Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry has received a $5,000 grant from the Decatur County
Community Foundation to support its “Meat” the Need initiative within Decatur County.
Debra Treesh, Executive Director of Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry, said that the funds received will be
used to pay processing fees on nearly 3,500 pounds of donated livestock and deer, with the meat being
given to agencies serving over 3,200 food-insecure residents within Decatur County.
According to Feeding America, an estimated 35% of Decatur County residents struggling with food
insecurity make above the threshold to qualify for federal assistance programs such as WIC or the
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. To make ends meet, many are turning to local hunger-relief
agencies such as food banks, food pantries, and soup kitchens. “More than ever, families are struggling to
buy groceries and hunger-relief agencies are seeing more demand for their services.” Said Katie DeForest,
Fund Development Director for Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry. “Unfortunately, these agencies are
experiencing the same diminished purchasing power that families are experiencing with their own
grocery budgets and meat, especially, is difficult to obtain.”
Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry partners with various community members and organizations in order to
get more meat into hunger-relief agencies and into the hands of residents in need. Farmers, hunters, and
4-H members donate deer and livestock to their “Meat” The Need program. Donations are processed at
local participating meat processors and the meat is distributed to hunger-relief agencies within the
community it was donated in. Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry pays 100% of the processing fees so there is
no charge to donors or agencies receiving meat.
“The contribution from the Decatur County Community Foundation will allow us to continue and expand
on our mission of hunger relief by providing nearly 8,000 more meals through local hunger relief
agencies within Decatur County. We are so grateful for the continued support of our efforts in responding
to the needs of those in the community facing hunger.” Said Debra Treesh
To donate, farmers and hunters just need to take their livestock or deer to a local participating meat
processor (call ahead to schedule livestock). After processing, local food banks and pantries are called to
pick up the donation. There is absolutely no charge to the livestock and deer donors. For a list of
participating meat processors, visit www.HoosiersFeedingtheHungry.org
