Ind. – The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has awarded the Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry’s “Meat” the Need program a grant in the amount of $75,000.00 through the Sportsmen’s Benevolence Fund. These funds will be used to assist Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry in paying processing fees for donated deer/venison. Founded in 2011, Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry encourages the donation of large game and livestock to our “Meat” the Need program, raises financial support to pay processing fees on these donations, and gives this nutritious meat to hunger relief agencies within Indiana. Hunters and farmers may donate, at no cost to them (and farmers may write-off fair market value on taxes!), by taking large game or livestock to a participating meat processor in their area. The donation will be processed, packaged in 1- to 2-pound packages and frozen, or canned. Local hunger relief agencies will be contacted for pick up and distribution of this nutritious protein back into the community in which it was donated. The individuals and families that we serve are reached through food banks and other hunger relief agencies whose services are strictly for low income and poor populations.
“The funds provided by this facility will pay for approximately 57,700 pounds of donated deer within Indiana, which will then be distributed to area hunger relief agencies – providing almost 230,800 meals to resident in need within Indiana.” Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry’s Executive Director, Deb Treesh said. Approximately 1 out of every 4 households within Indiana (that have children) report an inability to be able to afford enough food to feed their family and over 30% of Hoosiers regularly have to choose between paying bills or buying food. Those affected by food insecurity are often at high-risk for obesity and diet-related diseases due to the lack of quality in the foods that they can afford. Protein, one of the most important nutrients for brain and body development in children and young adults, is also the hardest commodity for food banks to obtain. “To date, we have 87 participating meat processors working within 85 counties in Indiana to ensure residents in need are served.” Amber Zecca, Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry Fund Development Director shared.
Through this effort, Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry is able to provide nutritious meat to hunger relief agencies within Indiana building stronger, healthier communities by helping to meet the basic needs within each community, getting them back on track to hunger-free, independent living. Their aim is to also improve the general health of individuals/families in need by helping to provide them with this nutritious source of protein for a healthier, more balanced diet –getting them back on track to hunger-free, independent living. In the last six years, Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry has helped to distribute over 873,700 pounds of meat to Indiana food banks, providing almost 3.5 million meals to Hoosiers in need.
ATTENTION 4-H Bidders! By paying both the bid price and a small market/support fee, you are also able to donate livestock to this program. Your donation will support the 4-H program, the 4-H participant, and your local hunger relief agencies!