Donations Up To Hunters Helping The Hungry Program 

A total of 1,224 deer was donated to the Hunters Helping the Hungry (HHH) Program in 2007, exceeding last season’s total of 1,030, according to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR).  “Thanks to the generous West Virginia hunters who donated deer to the HHH Program, many needy West Virginians will receive highly nutritious meals this year,” according to Jerry Westfall, DNR, Wildlife Resources Section Coordinator for the Hunters Helping the Hungry (HHH) Program. “The high number of deer donated to the program and the correspondingly high poundage of venison distributed is up from last year.”           

DNR is reliant upon the collection and distribution of venison by Mountaineer Food Bank (Gassaway) & Huntington Food Bank.  Two-pound packages of ground venison will continue to be distributed to participating food pantries, soup kitchens, senior centers and needy families throughout the state through the month of February.  Although it is too late for non-enrolled food pantries, soup kitchens, or senior centers to receive venison this year, those interested are encourage to enroll early this year so they may receive deer in 2009.  Contact Mountaineer Food Bank at (304) 364-5518 to discuss the application process needed to receive venison next season. Interested parties are reminded that there is a 60-day application review process.

“Although DNR is very grateful for hunter-donated deer, the HHH Program still requires monetary donations to offset processing and distribution costs,” said Westfall.  DNR is restricted from using sportsmen’s license dollars to fund this program, and  is completely dependent upon donations by concerned individuals, businesses, conservation organizations, foundations, and churches.  “Without this funding, we simply could not continue the HHH Program,” said Westfall.

Anyone wishing to make a donation to the HHH Program, or wishing more information, should go to HHH Web page at:  www.wvdnr.gov/Hunting/HHH.shtm, or contact Jerry Westfall at (304) 558-2771; or e-mail  jerrywestfall@wvdnr.gov . 

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