Ind. – Whitetails Unlimited has awarded the Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry’s “Meat” the Need program a grant in the amount of $1,500.00. These funds will be used to assist Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry in paying processing fees for donations of large game and livestock. Founded in 2011, Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry encourages the donation of large game and livestock to our “Meat” the Need program, raises financial support to pay processing fees on these donations, and gives this nutritious meat to hunger relief-agencies within Indiana. Hunters and farmers may donate, at no cost to them (and farmers may write-off fair market value on taxes!), by taking large game or livestock to a participating meat processor in their area. The donation will be processed, packaged in 1- to 2-pound packages, and frozen, or canned. Local hunger-relief agencies will be contacted for pick up and distribution of this nutritious protein back into the community in which it was donated. The individuals and families that Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry serves are reached through food banks and other hunger- relief agencies whose services are strictly for low income and poor populations.
“The grant provided by Whitetails Unlimited will pay for approximately 1,150 pounds of donated large game and livestock in Indiana, which will then be distributed to area hunger-relief agencies – providing over 4,600 meals to resident in need within this community,” said Deb Treesh, Executive Director of Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry. Even as the economy is improving, many hardworking Hoosiers are still living paycheck to paycheck. Indiana residents who must regularly choose between paying bills and buying groceries, continue to struggle to stay afloat but become even more in debt. In Indiana, approximately 1 out of every 4 households with children – report an inability to afford enough food to feed their family. Those affected by food insecurity are often at high-risk for obesity and diet-related diseases due to the lack of quality in the foods that they can afford. Protein, one of the most important nutrients for brain and body development in children and young adults, is also the hardest commodity for food banks to obtain. Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry assists in meeting basic needs within each county it serves. By assisting individuals and families that are struggling with this situation, the organization gives families the ability to avoid hunger and not have to choose between bills and groceries – allowing those aging and vulnerable populations to get back on track to hunger-free, independent living. In the last six years, Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry has helped to distribute over 942,000 pounds of meat to Indiana food banks, providing almost 3.8 million meals to Hoosiers in need.
“To date, we have 85 participating meat processors working within 85 counties in Indiana to ensure residents in need are served,” shared Amber Zecca, Fund Development Director of Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry.
Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry is accepting donations to fund our “Meat” the Need program throughout Indiana and is continuously looking for volunteers to help us in our efforts to feed the hungry and reduce hunger issues throughout Indiana. For more information on the Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry program, its services and to find participating meat processors in your area, or to find out how you can help, please visit www.HoosiersFeedingtheHungry.org.
