The National Rifle Association of America has announced its 2025 subsidy program for Hunters for the Hungry (HFH) organizations in the United States by making $100,000 available. In 2024 alone, Hunters for the Hungry organizations provided an estimated 1.7 million pounds of game meat to individuals and food banks in the United States. Available in awards up to $2,000, the fund will cover the cost of processing, shipping and distributing donated meat.
“I want to thank the generous donors of the NRA Foundation who made it possible for us to support this incredibly worthy cause," said Josh Savani, executive director of NRA General Operations. “America has a long tradition of embracing the vast resources hunting provides as a means for feeding family and friends. We are honored to play a role in that noble process. The NRA has long been one of the biggest advocates, supporters and funders of the various independent groups that facilitate this important endeavor, with over $750,000 being allocated to this initiative.”
More information about the Hunters for the Hungry Subsidy Program can be found online. Hunters for the Hungry processors can apply to receive funding from the program on the webpage.
The Hunters for the Hungry initiative is a loose affiliation of state and independent programs that have provided 45 million pounds of wild game to individual families, homeless shelters, soup kitchens and food banks across the United States. Working with the NRA, these programs connect interested individuals with programs in their area while fostering public awareness through education, fundraising, and publicity.
Approximately 40 unique HFH programs operate throughout the United States on shoestring budgets. The NRA encourages all members and supporters to donate to those programs either financially or by donating legally harvested game meat.
This Week in Michigan
Michigan hunters are encouraged to drop by a nearby Department of Natural Resources customer service center during regular business hours Monday, July 14, through Friday, July 18. The DNR’s Hunters Feeding Michigan program, in partnership with the Food Bank Council of Michigan, is invites all Michiganders to donate nonperishable food that will go to local food pantries.
This food drive is a first for Hunters Feeding Michigan. Carly Kalkauski, the student assistant coordinating the drive, said they were thrilled to work on this initiative when program specialist Joe Presgrove brought it to them.
“You don’t have to be a hunter to help our program target hunger,” they said. “With one in seven Michiganders facing food insecurity, we’re hoping this food drive can help provide meaningful aid to our communities.”
Hunters Feeding Michigan offers hunters a way to share their harvest by donating deer at a participating processor. A network of processors and charities channels the venison donations to provide high-quality, nutritious protein to those in need across the state. Monetary donations also help support the program. Learn more visit the Hunters Feeding Michigan webpage.
Healthier Alternative
Volumes have been written about the health benefits of wild game meat when compared to the commercially grown and processed alternative. There’s another consideration, a medical one that rarely gets reported.
When I worked for Safari Club International in Tucson, Ariz., the staff saved fresh game meat regularly for two of the area’s residents. Both were undergoing chemotherapy and their physicians recommended they consume only antibiotic and hormone-free meat during treatment. The odds are good others facing cancer today are in the same situation, relying on Hunters for the Hungry programs.
