3/2/2010
SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Hunters donated 1,286 deer to the Hunters Helping the Hungry (HHH) Program during the 2009 hunting season, according to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR). This was a bit higher than the 2008 seasons’ donation total (1,149).
“Thanks to generous West Virginia hunters who donated deer to the HHH Program, many needy West Virginians will receive highly nutritious meals this year,” said Jerry Westfall, Program Coordinator. “The DNR, along with their partners, The Mountaineer Food Bank and The Huntington Area Food Bank, truly appreciate the generosity shown by these hunters, and acknowledge that, without their help, this program could not exist.”
The DNR is reliant upon venison collection and distribution by Mountaineer Food Bank (Gassaway) and Huntington Area Food Bank. Two-pound packages of ground venison have been, and will continue to be, distributed to participating distribution centers such as food pantries, soup kitchens, senior centers, community centers, churches, orphanages and other institutions, throughout the state. Although it is too late for non-enrolled centers to receive venison this season (because of the minimum 60-day application review process), those interested are encourage to enroll now so they may receive venison during the 2010 hunting seasons. Contact Mountaineer Food Bank at 304-364-5518 to discuss the application process needed to receive venison next season.
“Although the DNR is very grateful for hunter-donated deer, the HHH Program still requires monetary donations to offset processing and distribution costs,” said Westfall. The DNR is restricted from using sportsmen’s license dollars to fund this program, and is completely dependent upon donations from concerned individuals, businesses, conservation organizations, foundations, and churches.
“Without this donated funding, we simply could not continue the HHH Program,” said Westfall. The DNR accepts monetary donations to the HHH Program year-round. Anyone wishing to make a monetary donation to the HHH Program should go to HHH Web page at: www.wvdnr.gov/Hunting/HHH.shtm, or contact Billie Shearer at 304-558-2771. Those wishing additional information on the HHH Program can contact Jerry Westfall at (304) 558-2771; jerry.a.westfall@wv.gov.
Contact Information
Jerry Westfall
304-558-2771
wildlife@wvdnr.gov