Maine Hunters for the Hungry Campaign

With hunting season underway, Governor Paul LePage has sent the call out to Maine hunters to consider supporting the Hunters for the Hungry Program.

How you can be a part of the program? Simply by donating all or part of your harvest to feed families in need.

The popular program provides a means for hunters in Maine, as well as other states, to donate to food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and households with a medical need.

Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Commissioner Walt Whitcomb noted that since its establishment in 1996, the Hunters for the Hungry Program has grown steadily and provided thousands of nutritious meals to hungry people across the state. Mainers always seem to rise to the occasion and help out.

The Hunters for the Hungry Program is part of the Department's Emergency Food Assistance Program. The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry distributes donations to food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and households with a medical need. It is done in cooperation with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife's wardens, Maine State Troopers and caring hunters, are all working towards a common goal of helping fellow Mainers.

The program accepts bear, deer and moose donations. Road kill donations are also accepted, provided the meat is not damaged. Hunters do not pay for the processing of donated meat. Meat processing costs are paid for by the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry or the charity that receives the food.

Hunters choosing to keep their game can still donate a few pounds to the program. Meat processors that are interested in getting involved with the program and learning how it works should call 207-287-7513.

For more information, to donate, or to get connected to a Hunters for the Hungry participating meat processor call toll free, 1-888-4DEERME (1-888-433-3763).