(Indiana) –Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry has received a $2,500 donation from the National Whitetails
Unlimited Chapter to support its “Meat” the Need initiative.
Debra Treesh, Executive Director of Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry, said that the funds received will be
used for implementing the “Meat” The Need program, which pays to process donations of livestock and
deer and gives the meat to hunger-relief agencies serving over 834,000 food-insecure residents
throughout the state of Indiana.
According to Feeding America, an estimated 50% of Indiana’s 726,020 food insecure residents make
above the threshold to qualify for SNAP. 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 facing 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 Whitetails Unlimited will allow us to continue and expand on our mission
of improving the quality of life for Hoosiers by providing nutritious meat to hunger relief agencies within
Indiana. 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.
Whitetails Unlimited Pledges $2,500
