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Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry
– Why use wild game, Deer and Elk, to feed the Hungry?
The answer to this question is actually very simple. Venison is a
Healthy substitution for beef, and can be used in exactly the same way
you would beef.
The abundance of venison is very obvious, just look out your car
window as you drive across our nation. How often do you see deer when
you travel? How many deer, or rather deer carcasses have you seen on
the roadside? If you are seeing anything similar to what I see, you’ve
likely lost count by now. In western states, (and some eastern) Elk
may not be as populated as deer but many of the same problems still
effect them.
The use of wild game that is professionally processed by a licensed
and inspected facility has become widely recognized as a benefit, not
only to those who are less fortunate, but as a benefit to tax payers
as well. Government agencies that buy all types of food items
supplying food banks are not normally responsible for the bill on
processed game animals. This work is paid for through various fund
raising programs and financial donations from the caring public and
businesses throughout our country, thus eliminating the tax burden on
our citizens.
There are many more benefits to these and other Venison feeding
programs with the same goal. One of those is the possible reduction in
car v/s deer collisions. In the reduction of these type accidents, we
should see lower car insurance premiums.
Many states in the U.S. have long hunting seasons, and many of those
have very liberal bag limits. Most hunters don’t need more than 2-3
deer per year, however some of these hunters may reach that personal
limit early in their respective season, which may or may not limit the
amount of time they are able to enjoy their sport. With programs like
FHFH, there are so many benefits that it is time consuming to try and
identify all of them, however I will add this…FHFH and other hunter
charity programs have done a lot to change many negative opinions
about hunters and hunting as a whole. Negative opinions will always be
there, but that is another article.
FHFH is a Christian Ministry program with the focus of providing meat,
venison to the less fortunate among us. Founded in 1997 by Rick Wilson
of Hagerstown, MD, FHFH has spread across America and now has some 80
chapters operated by local coordinators. The venison donated by
hunters to FHFH is then donated to local food pantries and soup
kitchens. However, like life there have been exceptions to the local
focus.
In 2005 the Gulf Coast was hammered by hurricanes. Americans, just
like we always do, stepped up to help. FHFH was no different.
Northern Arizona Food Bank Director and FHFH area coordinator Kerry
Ketchum devised a plan to provide the Gulf region with meat from
across the country. In the end, thousands of pounds of frozen deer and
elk meat was delivered to several areas effected by the hurricanes.
With each chapter of FHFH being directed by local Volunteer
coordinators, you may ask what drives the ministry to be so
successful. Each coordinator is where he/she is because of their love
for God and their willingness to do the work He leads them to do. FHFH
focus’s on helping those who need it, nothing else, all the other
benefits are just a result of doing what is right.
As you finish this article, stop and think for just a moment about how
fortunate you may be, and then think of the thousands of Americans who
will go to bed hungry tonight. Please take time to say a prayer for
those who need both our and your assistance.
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