Food pantries

Montana Hunters Donate Harvests to Fight​ Food Insecurity ​Through⁣ 15-Year Program

BUTTE, Mont. – For 15 years, Montana’s‍ Hunters Against Hunger program has been bridging the gap between‌ a accomplished hunt adn a neighbor in need. A partnership between the Montana​ Food Bank Network,⁣ Montana ‌Fish, Wildlife⁤ & Parks, and local businesses, the program facilitates the donation of harvested game to food pantries across the‌ state.

Hunters can contribute in multiple ways. Individuals can donate⁣ when purchasing ‍hunting and fishing licenses,‌ tags, and permits. Alternatively, hunters who fill their tags can donate all or part of their deer, bison, antelope, moose, or elk to participating‍ wild game processors.

“The pool of funds generated through donations allows us to‌ cover the processing costs, ensuring it’s free​ for both the donor and ‌the processor,” explains‌ Cyrus Turbak, program coordinator wiht​ the Montana Food Bank ⁢Network.Processors ⁢are reimbursed for their work, provided they adhere ⁤to program guidelines.

Deemo’s Meats in Ennis is one such participating processor. Owner-operator ‍Chris DiMichele and his team transform ⁢donated ‍game into⁣ convenient 1- or 2-pound packages ‍of ground meat, which are ​then ​distributed to local ⁤food pantries.

“We grind everything up and the food banks come⁤ pick⁣ it up,” ​DiMichele said. Jay Wood, president of the⁣ Southwest Montana Veterans’⁣ Food Pantry and Services in Deer Lodge, emphasizes the practicality ‍of the ground meat. “It’s predominately ground, which ‍makes ‌it easy for everybody.‌ it cooks faster ⁣than beef as it’s‌ leaner and healthier.”

The Southwest Montana Veterans’ Food Pantry serves clients with proof of service, requiring no financial documentation. Wood ⁤notes the significant impact‌ of the⁤ program,even personally donating‍ deer and elk.”It felt ⁣really good to be able to take those animals ‍and ⁢help more families‍ than just my own.”

The‌ process from harvest to pantry shelf is remarkably efficient. Turbak states that donated meat can reach those in need⁤ within a week ⁢or so of⁢ processing. “As soon ‍as ‌it’s ready, ⁣the‍ pantry can ‌pick it up and it could be on ⁤someone’s dinner table the⁢ next day.”

DiMichele highlights the community benefit, stating, “We ‌try to take care of the ⁣community. I live here,I employ about 10 ⁤people in a town‌ of 900,so it’s gratifying to help out where we can.” He asks hunters interested in donating to Deemo’s Meats to call ahead ⁣to ensure processing capacity.

With rising ‍food​ prices, the program provides a vital source of protein for pantry clients. Turbak ⁤emphasizes the importance of access to nutritious food, ⁤adding, “It’s a cornerstone of a nice meal, and hunting and eating wild‌ game ​is a⁤ big part of Montana culture and tradition.”

DiMichele ‍sums up the⁤ program’s ⁤success: “It’s just a great, everybody‍ wins situation.”

To‍ learn more⁢ about Hunters Against Hunger‍ and how to ​participate, visit the program website: https://mfbn.org/hunters-against-hunger.