CONTACT:
Jane Vachon: (603) 271-3211
Michele Garron: (603) 669-9725
November 24, 2003

Hunters: You Can Help New Hampshire's Hungry

CONCORD, N.H. -- By sharing their fall harvest with the Hunt for the Hungry program, New Hampshire hunters are helping to lift the spirits and improve the nutrition of less fortunate folks this holiday season. "Throughout history, wild game has 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. "Hunt for the Hungry is one way that hunters can 'give back' to their communities, and provide needy families with wholesome food to help sustain them this winter."

Donations of whole or processed game animals are collected by the New Hampshire Food Bank of Manchester, which distributes food to more than 270 active food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters and group homes throughout the state.

"The needy in our state really appreciate the donations," says Michele Garron, the food bank's operations manager. "We thank New Hampshire hunters for their continued support."

Thanksgiving is an important time to contribute to the Food Bank, though donations are in demand throughout the year. Garron, herself a hunter, notes that deer meat is tasty and healthful -- "organic, high in protein and low in fat." Like other hunters, Garron hopes to be successful in the field this season and to be able to contribute some of her venison to the Hunt for the Hungry program.

Hunt for the Hungry has received nearly 1,000 pounds of donated game meat so far this fall. The program accepts deer, bear, moose, ducks and other game meat.

To donate some or all of your game meat to Hunt for the Hungry, call the New Hampshire Food Bank at (603) 669-9725. The food bank offers packaging instructions and can make arrangements to pick up your meat donation.

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