M.E. Raker Foundation Gives $2,500 to Aid in Hunger Relief
Funds applied to “Meat” the Need Initiative to pay meat processing fees on donated livestock and deer
(Fort Wayne, Indiana) –Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry has received a $2,500 grant from the M.E. Raker
Foundation to support its “Meat” the Need initiative within Allen County.
Debra Treesh, Executive Director of Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry, said that the funds received will be
used to pay processing fees on over 1,800 pounds of donated livestock and deer, with the meat being
given to agencies serving over 43,000 food-insecure residents within Allen County.
According to Feeding America, an estimated 43% of Allen County residents struggling with food
insecurity make above the threshold to qualify for the federal 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 grant from the M.E. Raker Foundation will allow us to continue and expand on our mission
of hunger relief by providing over 7,500 more meals through local hunger relief agencies within Allen
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
M.E. Raker Foundation Gives $2,500 to Help
