Hunters: You Can Help New Hampshire's Hungry

CONCORD, N.H. -- New Hampshire's hunters can help the less fortunate this season by sharing their fall harvest with the Hunt for the Hungry Program. Donations of whole or processed game animals are being collected by the New Hampshire Food Bank of Manchester, which distributes food to more than 270 food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters and group homes statewide. Last year, Hunt for the Hungry took in more than 1,000 pounds of donated deer, bear, moose, duck and other game meat. The program offers packaging instructions and can pick up your meat donation.

To donate game meat to Hunt for the Hungry, call the New Hampshire Food Bank at (603) 669-9725.

"Wild game has historically provided a source of food to hunters, their families and their communities," said Lee E. Perry, executive director of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. "This program is a great way for hunters to give back to their communities by providing needy families with food to help them get through the winter."

"We thank New Hampshire's hunters!" says Michele Garron, the food bank's operations manager. A hunter herself, Garron hopes to be successful in the field this season so she can contribute some venison to the program. She noted that deer meat is both delicious and healthful -- high in protein and low in fat. "These donations from hunters make a real difference for the needy in our state."

The approaching holiday season is an important time to contribute to the Food Bank, but donations are in demand throughout the year, according to Garron.

Click here for online hunting license purchases.

For information on hunting seasons in New Hampshire, click here.

- ### -