Hunters Feeding Illinois Delivers Venison Meals to Families Across Counties

By Andi Anderson

Hunters Feeding Illinois is helping families by providing nutritious venison through a coordinated donation program across the state.

During the 2025-26 hunting season, the initiative distributed 46,366 pounds of lean protein to food pantries serving 48 counties. This effort created about 138,900 meals for families dealing with high grocery prices.

The venison donated through the program carries an estimated retail value of more than $320,000, based on USDA comparisons for similar protein. It supports food pantries by reducing costs and increasing access to healthy meat.

“This program has been a blessing to our food pantry,” said a pantry manager with Catholic Charities of Effingham. “With the rising cost of groceries, the venison has been a huge hit with families. Some guests even ask for it specifically when they come in.”

Hunters Feeding Illinois operates within the Illinois Farm to Food Bank system, forming a partnership with Feeding Illinois, Southern Illinois Food Pantry Network, Access Illinois Outdoors, and University of Illinois Extension. This collaboration connects hunters, meat processors, and food pantries in an efficient network.

Hunters donate legally harvested, tagged deer to local processors who prepare and package the venison into ground portions for distribution to nearby food pantries. This system ensures food safety, quality, and timely delivery to communities in need.

“We thank the hunters who donated 1,129 deer and the 24 meat processors who prepared and packaged the ground venison,” says Michelle Fombelle, Extension educator. “With the high cost of groceries, including meat, we are proud to increase access to lean protein across Illinois.”

Donations also receive support through a matching program where contributions are doubled to cover processing costs. A fifty dollar donation can process one deer, helping extend the reach of the program.

The program continues to expand participation among counties and partners each year. It encourages responsible hunting and reduces waste by ensuring harvested deer are used effectively for public benefit and nutrition support across the state today for many residents.

Photo Credit: pexels-jim-fawns