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Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH)
is a national organization that has a local branch here in
Northeast Indiana. Venison, beef or pork is donated by local hunters and
farmers. The local chapter pays to have the meat processed and it is then distributed
to local food banks to feed the hungry. Deb and Doug Treesh started this
chapter in Corunna (DeKalb County) IN 2006 and were able to fund the
processing of five deer, which provided approximately 1000 meals.
Unfortunately, the number of donated meat exceeded the amount
in the program budget, so some had to be turned away.
This year, the Treesh’s are working in 15 counties,
12 meat processors. Donations
to pay the meat processors have been contributed by Wal-Mart, DeHaan
Foundation, Wood-Land-Lakes, Community Harvest Food Bank of Northeast
Indiana,
Whitetails Unlimited of Noble County, and the Steuben County Community
Foundation. The Community Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Indiana will distribute
packages of 1, 2, and 3 pounds of ground meat to
local food pantries, soup kitchens and homeless shelters. “In 2006, we have
received nearly 5,000 pounds of ground venison,” Deb Treesh said. "That
represents 20,000 meals that we were able to donate to those in need of
food."
In addition to hunters donating venison, farmers
are encouraged to donate cows and hogs. A list of meat processors that
will butcher the meat at a reduced rate can be provided. These donations
can be used as a tax deduction.
Wood-Land-Lakes became involved with the Farmers
and Hunters' program early in 2006 after council members expressed
interest in wildlife issues. The local chapter of Farmers and Hunters Feeding
the Hungry was just what the council had in mind. The Treesh's
had started this branch in 2005 and needed assistance coordinating with
meat processors, food banks and fund raising. Wood-Land-Lakes was up to the challenge and has
brought members together to
assist the Treesh's in making this chapter the best it can be. |
