UDWI REMC Community Fund Grants $5,000

UDWI REMC Community Fund Gives $5,000 to Aid in Hunger Relief
Funds applied to “Meat” the Need Initiative to pay meat processing fees on donated livestock and deer
(Bloomfield, Indiana) –Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry has received a $5,000 grant from the UDWI REMC
Community Fund to support its “Meat” the Need initiative within the UDWI REMC’s service area.
Debra Treesh, Executive Director of Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry, said that the funds received will be
used to pay processing fees on over 3,700 pounds of donated livestock and deer, with the meat being
given to agencies serving food-insecure residents within the eleven counties served by the Utilities
District of Western Indiana.
“Food banks, pantries and soup kitchens work to protect the most vulnerable and under-served in our
communities and these agencies continue to face increased demand due to the lasting effects of the 2020
pandemic.” Said Katie DeForest, Fund Development Director of Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry. “Protein is
one of the most important nutrients for brain and body development. Sadly, it is also the hardest
commodity for food banks to obtain, especially now with the rising cost of groceries.”
“The UDWI REMC Community Fund Committee has made hunger relief in our communities a priority for
quite some time.” Said Chairperson John Royal, “Given the current economic climate we have
strengthened that commitment and will continue to do so in the future. As a committee we feel that is the
best way to provide support to our district. We are pleased to have the opportunity to work with
Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry and other food pantries in our communities.”
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 through the UDWI’s Community Fund will allow us to continue and expand on our
mission of hunger relief by providing nearly 15,000 more meals through local hunger relief agencies. 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