‘Hunters Helping the Hungry’ encourages West Virginians to donate wild game meat

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) — As the government shutdown continues, food banks across West Virginia and the country have faced extra pressure to feed those in need. Amid the shutdown, Gov. Morrisey recently announced that November would be wild game meat donation month in West Virginia.

One of the organizations that benefits from this initiative is the “Hunters Helping the Hungry” program, which collects donations of wild game meat and distributes them to food banks.

“Our hunters not only take great pride in putting food on their own tables, but also demonstrate remarkable generosity by donating their harvests to help other families in need,” Gov. Morrisey said. “Wild Game Meat Donation Month is a time to celebrate that tradition of giving and the difference it makes across our state.” 

According to a study done by Feeding America, more than 277,000 West Virginians struggle with food insecurity.

“Well, we are always very welcoming to any hunters who may want to donate any additional deer that they do not need,” Kayla Donathan with West Virginia Department of Natural Resources said.

Donathan also spoke about the importance of families being able to have healthy and nutritious meals. 

“Being able to provide families with healthy, sustainable meat that they can feed themselves and their families, especially during this time of year, we feel is very, very important,” Donathan said.

According to Donathan, since 1992, when the program started, there have been an estimated 30,000 deer donated, which is about 1.2 million pounds of meat. The meat donated goes to two food banks in West Virginia, which distribute it throughout the state.

Anyone interested in learning more about donation can visit wvdnr.gov for more information.