Effingham, IL-(Effingham Radio)- University of Illinois Extension is currently working on a pilot for a venison donation program in twelve Illinois counties. The goal of our program is to provide a pathway to expand community access to lean protein throughout East-Central Illinois. By engaging hunters to donate their deer and meat processors to produce ground venison, a local source of lean protein will be available to food pantry clients. Clients will also receive recipes and resources from Illinois Extension to help them prepare venison at home, which might be unfamiliar to some individuals and families.
“The Illinois Deer Donation Project is so timely and needed right now. The continued disruptions in the global supply chain are negatively impacting the emergency food system and our network’s ability to continue providing the most nutritious foods – such as protein products. As food banks and food pantries are challenged with higher demand, limited supply, and increasing costs, fresh venison received through this Program will be an invaluable addition and welcome option for Illinois neighbors in need.”
Steve Ericson-Executive Director of Feeding Illinois
“EIF is excited to hear about the possibility of the deer donation program beginning this fall. We feel this would be a great asset to our partner food pantries as meat has long been a top requested item for distribution. We rely heavily on donations for this category as 70% of our protein inventory has been donated. We look forward to continuing to work with the University of Illinois SNAP Education office to offer the support they need to make this program a success.”
Emily Yoder-Eastern Illinois Foodbank
“The members of the Illinois Association Meat Processors understand the need for protein commodities at food banks throughout Illinois. We appreciate the opportunity to partner with hunters and food banks in Illinois to supplement protein needs with venison. The members of the Illinois Association of Meat Processors have a strong history of donating to their local food pantries. We look forward to this partnerships that will provide additional proteins, such as venison, to those in need.”
Dianne Handsaker-Illinois Meat Processors Association
“We at Whitetails Unlimited support the Illinois Deer Donation Program Pilot, and feel they are very beneficial to the local communities. We like the fact that the venison will be used to help families. Please check with your local meat locker and help by donating venison to the program.”
Darel Martin-Whitetails Unlimited Illinois
For more information on University of Illinois Extension Nutrition, contact Michelle Fombelle at mfombell@illinois.edu. Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in program and employment. If you need reasonable accommodation to participate in programming, contact the program coordinator. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting your needs.
Comments