(Kendallville, Indiana) –Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry has received a $1,550 donation from Flint & Walling to
support its “Meat” the Need initiative.
Debra Treesh, Executive Director of Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry, said that the funds received will be used to
pay processing fees on over 1,000 pounds of donated livestock and deer, with the meat being given to
agencies serving over 5,000 food-insecure residents within Noble County.
According to Feeding America, an estimated 28% of Noble 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 generous donation from Flint & Walling will allow us to continue and expand on our mission of hunger
relief by providing over 4,000 more meals through local hunger relief agencies within Noble 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.
