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.