Hunters Feeding Michigan, a Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) program connecting donors, wild game processors and charities to help feed those in need, processed 140,000 pounds of donated venison—a new record—during fiscal year 2025, which ended Sept. 30. That equates to more than 560,000 servings of venison and sets a new annual record a program that allows hunters to share their harvest by donating deer at participating processors that help distribute venison donations across Michigan.
“Every year it seems like more hunters choose to donate their harvest to the program, which helps feed even more of our neighbors across the state,” said Hunters Feeding Michigan program specialist Joe Presgrove. “I frequently receive calls and letters from the local food pantries thanking the program for providing much needed protein to their communities.”
The success of what Presgrove calls “such an amazing program” is largely due to the hunters who choose to donate their harvest, the individuals who donate money toward processing expenses, the hardworking, dedicated processors, and the Food Bank Council of Michigan and the Feeding America food distribution network.
Since 2007, the program has provided more than 3 million servings of protein-rich venison to those in need. The DNR urges outdoor recreationists, when purchasing their licenses or permits, to consider adding a monetary donation to Hunters Feeding Michigan.
“Your contribution covers processing costs, turning donated deer into meals,” Presgrove said. “A donation of just $3 provides a venison meal for over four Michiganders!”
To Help in Other States
The NRA Hunters for the Hungry—a program established in 1991 in partnership with state wildlife agencies—webpage offers convenient resources for sportsmen living elsewhere to get involved, including a listing of programs and donation sites across the nation. It also highlights the role sportsmen are play in addressing food insecurity.
Each year, for example, more than 8.1 million meals are provided by the generosity of hunters nationwide. The game meat goes to homeless shelters, soup kitchens and food banks, outlets chronically in desperate need of high-in-protein meals.
