New York's Venison Donation Program

PURCHASE YOUR 2008/2009 HUNTING LICENSE

and Help out the hungry

fAIRPORT, ny: With gas prices over the $4/gallon mark and food prices soaring, many people are cutting back expenses any way they can. Others are only able to cut back on food. More and more families are finding themselves without the means to take care of themselves without the help from others: churches, soup kitchens, food pantries, etc. Please help out the hungry by donating $1.00 or more to the Venison Donation Coalition when your purchase your 2008/2009 hunting license through D.E.C.A.L.S.

    Since 2000, the Venison Donation Coalition, Inc. has been coordinating the processing and distribution of ground venison to those in need. Over 500,000 pounds of highly nutritious, low fat, high protein meat has been distributed through nine food banks to help feed the hungry. That is over 2,000,000 servings. This year’s goal is to process and distribute 100,000 pounds of venison to those that need it.

    The success of the Venison Donation Coalition is due to the many individuals and organizations that have come together to help out. The farmers and hunters have donated their deer using their own deer tags. Participating processors have taken highly reduced fees (some even taken no fees) for cutting up the meat into ground venison. The nine food banks have picked up the ground venison and distributed it to their member agencies: soup kitchens, food pantries, churches, senior programs, etc.  Then the Resource Conservation and Development Councils of New York State have volunteered to process all the invoices and pay the processors.

    Where does the money come from to pay for the processing? That’s where you come in. Donations are needed. One dollar will feed four hungry people. When you go to purchase your hunting license for the 2008/2009 hunting season, tell the clerk you would like to donate $1.00 or more to the Venison Donation Program. Donations can be accepted through New York State Dept. Environmental Conservation Licensing System (D.E.C.A.L.S.) at your local Town Clerk’s office or anywhere sporting licenses are sold. You don’t even have to purchase a license to donate. Anyone can donate.

    If times get tougher and more company layoffs occur, you might find yourself in a position to need a little help. Remember to donate a deer or a dollar. You might just need it later on.