Oklahoma consistently ranks as one of the hungriest states in the nation. Through a cooperative agreement, several tons of venison are donated each year to food pantries across the state, providing thousands of nutritious meals.
Since 2002 more than 700,000 pounds of venison have been donated to needy Oklahomans through the Hunters Against Hunger program. Nearly 32,000 pounds of venison were donated to food pantries during the 2021-22 deer season.
Administered by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, the program allows processed venison to be donated to food pantries within the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma and the Community Food Bank of eastern Oklahoma network.
“I am proud of Oklahoma’s deer hunters and processors who donate their time and resources,” said Becky Rouner, coordinator for the Hunters Against Hunger program. “Together we can provide locally sourced, healthy and nutritious protein to Oklahomans who need it the most.”
Legally harvested deer are taken to the nearest participating meat processor. Hunters are encouraged to donate $10 toward the processing of the deer, but this is voluntary. The processor grinds the meat into 2-pound packages which are then collected by local food pantries.
“Oklahoma hunters are extremely generous, and we are so grateful for this partnership that has helped provide high quality meat for our neighbors living with hunger,” said Stacy Dykstra, chief executive officer of the Regional Food Bank. “We are so grateful for our partners at the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, as well as meat processors who are integral in getting much-needed protein to our partner pantries across Oklahoma.”
Participation by meat processors is key to success of Hunters Against Hunger. With nearly 50 participating processors throughout the state, deer hunters have ample opportunity to donate venison. During the 2021-22 deer season, 17 processors – including Ed’s Wild Game Processing in Marlow – donated venison to local food pantries.