HUNTERS HAVE DONATED MORE THAN 1 MILLION POUNDS OF NUTRITIOUS VENISON OVER PROGRAM’S 33 YEARS
SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — With fall hunting underway, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) is encouraging hunters to donate to the Hunters Helping the Hungry program, which helps feed individuals and families in need across the state during the holiday season.
Since its inception in 1992, the Hunters Helping the Hungry program has processed over 1.1 million pounds of venison from 29,259 donated deer, which has provided nearly 1.5 million meals. Last year, hunters donated 433 deer, which produced 17,187 pounds of venison and provided 22,916 meals for families in need.
“West Virginia hunters have made an incredible impact on our state and provide a vital resource for our food banks by donating venison, which provides healthy, high-protein meals to people in need,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion. “I encourage hunters to make the most of their time afield this year and consider donating any extra venison to help us make a difference in our communities.”
Venison is a nutritious alternative to many commercially available meats. A three-ounce serving of venison contains 102 calories, 19.5 grams of protein, and just 2.06 grams of fat, compared to a similar serving of lean ground beef, which has 114 calories, 15.41 grams of protein and 5.36 grams of fat, according to the Cornell University Cooperative Extension Service…