Hunters for the Hungry

If you are a hunter and would like to share your extra game meat with deserving and needy families in your area, check out a Hunters for the Hungry program. This name may vary in different areas of the country, but regardless of the exact name, these types of game-sharing programs all have the same goal -- to give back to your community by helping those persons who are urgently in need of nourishing food.

Through the generosity of hunters, hundreds of thousands of pounds of venison and other game meat are distributed each year to individuals and families through food banks, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, and various charitable organizations in states across the nation. And it's not just the impoverished or indigent portions of our communities that are helped. Victims of hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, wildfires, and other natural disasters are also aided by these programs.

The NRA supports the national and state-level efforts of these game-sharing programs through its Hunters for the Hungry Information Clearinghouse, a national and state-by-state list of game-sharing programs, including contact information.

NRA has been involved since 1991 with game-sharing programs through its Hunter Services Department. The Hunter Services staff provides valuable assistance to these programs by working with state government agencies, furnishing logistical guidance, and increasing public awareness through education, fundraising, and publicity.

In addition to providing game meat, hunters can also help by donating money which will be used to help cover the costs of meat inspection, processing, packaging, storage, and distribution. And, of course, volunteers are always needed to lend a helping hand in these humanitarian efforts.

Get involved today! Visit the NRA Hungry Information Clearinghouse to obtain contact information on game-sharing programs in your area. You can also receive game-sharing information by getting in touch with the Hunter Services Department. Visit their Web site at www.nrahq.org/hunting, phone them at (703) 267-1503, or e-mail them at hservices@nrahq.org.