The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is making the holiday season a bit brighter for families in need through its Division of Wildlife's venison donation program. During the weeklong deer gun season, ODNR has collected 3,350 pounds of processed venison to support local food pantries across the state. Themed "deer donation days" at select locations allowed hunters to contribute to the cause, with the promise of more opportunities during the additional gun weekend and muzzleloader season.
“It’s thanks to Ohio’s hunters from across our great state that families will have the option to pick up venison at a local food pantry,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz, in a statement to their newsroom. The generous donations have provided much-needed protein to several food banks, including West Ohio Foodbank, Mid-Ohio Food Collective, and Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio. With each deer capable of providing up to 200 meals, the impact of these donations cannot be underestimated.
Adding an interesting dimension to the program this year is the partnership of ODNR's Division of Wildlife with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC)'s meat processing facility at the Pickaway Correctional Institution (PCI). "The meat processing center provides a great opportunity for our incarcerated population to gain valuable experiences in the workforce," said ODRC Director Annette Chambers-Smith, according to Ohio Department of Natural Resources. The initiative not only supplies food to families but also gives the men at PCI a chance to apply valuable skills and contribute to the community.
Donation efforts are continuing, with approximately 2,200 more pounds of venison in preparation for distribution and another 20 deer slated for processing this week. Hunters interested in donating can find more information on dates, times, and locations at ODNR's website. All donors must ensure their deer are properly tagged and game checked as per the state's regulations.
