MDC and CFM thank deer hunters for Sharing the Harvest

THIS CONTENT IS ARCHIVED
News from the region
Statewide
Published Date
02/23/2017
Body

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) thank the 4,280 Missouri deer hunters who donated 198,277 pounds of venison to the state’s Share the Harvest program this past deer season. The donated deer meat will help feed hungry Missourians all around the state.

Share the Harvest is coordinated by MDC and CFM. It works by deer hunters donating their extra venison to participating meat processors throughout the state who grind the deer meat into one-pound packages. The packaged venison is then given to food banks and food pantries for distribution to Missourians in need of food assistance.

“Hunters started Share the Harvest because they saw a need in their communities,” said MDC Director Sara Pauley. “And hunters remain the driving force behind this popular program that helps feed our fellow Missourians who are in need. We sincerely thank the thousands of deer hunters who support Share the Harvest, along with the many participating meat processors and sponsors.”

Share the Harvest coordinates the efforts of thousands of hunters, more than 100 participating meat processors, numerous local supporting organizations, and about a dozen statewide sponsors.

“Share the Harvest is a partnership of citizens, agencies, organizations and corporations working together to provide healthy, protein-rich meat to those who may otherwise go without,” said CFM Executive Director Brandon Butler. “Hunters across Missouri should be proud of this outstanding program.”

Since the program was started in 1992, Share the Harvest has provided about 3.7 million pounds of lean, healthy venison to help feed hungry Missourians.

Processing fees are covered entirely or in part by numerous local sponsors, along with statewide sponsors that include: MDC, CFM, Shelter Insurance, Bass Pro Shops, Missouri Chapter Safari Club International, Missouri Chapter National Wild Turkey Federation, Midway USA Inc., Missouri Food Banks Association, United Bowhunters of Missouri, Missouri Trappers Association, the Missouri Hunter Education Instructors Association, and the Walmart Foundation.

For more information on Share the Harvest, visit short.mdc.mo.gov/Zoz. Watch a brief video at youtube.com/watch?v=H52i29EoWPw.