Hunters Needed To Help New Hampshire Food Bank

Many of New Hampshire’s hunters are involved in more than just hunting. They show their concern and care about those who are in need for food. One important project that hunters can and do share in, is that of helping the New Hampshire Food Bank through the “Hunt for the Hungry” program. Based in Manchester, the New Hampshire Food Bank collects donations of whole and/or processed game animals and birds for distribution to more than 350 food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters and group homes throughout the state. 

Hunters can help the less fortunate by donating all or a part of their fall game kill to the New Hampshire Food Bank. The Food Bank is hoping that there will be a greater number of hunters willing to help out this year by donating some game. The crisis at the New Hampshire Food Bank has worsened in recent weeks and their inventory is at an all time low with food coming in at a very slow pace. Holidays, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, are fast approaching. 

Some shelves at the New Hampshire Food Bank remain bare

Michele Garron, Operations Manager, says the program offers packaging instructions. “We can also arrange to pick up your meat donations. If you are donating a whole deer or moose, you can bring it to Lemay & Sons Beef at 116 Daniel Plummer Road, Goffstown, N.H. 03045 or call them at 622-0022. Just let them know you are donating the animal to the New Hampshire Food bank at 62 West Brook Street, Manchester, N.H. 03101. They will process and package the deer, moose or bear for the food bank at no charge.” 

Although the food bank will pick up donated game, should you care to personally deliver it, you can call ahead and let them know you are coming with a donation of game meat or just drop by during their regular business hours, Monday through Friday 7a.m. to 4 p.m. Should you need to come by after hours or during the weekend, you can call them at 669-9725 to make arrangements. 

Hunters may also have their game processed by their own butchers if they would like to donate a portion of their meat, rather than the whole animal. Michele advises that packages be clearly marked as to the type of game and the cut of meat enclosed. For example, deer (venison roast), Moose (stew meat), or pheasant (breast meat), etc. Game can be wrapped in clear plastic wrap or butcher paper. They will accept game that is fresh or frozen. However, the Food Bank prefers to receive it frozen in order to guarantee freshness and quality. 

Although the New Hampshire Food Bank accepts a wide variety of game meats (deer, bear, moose, gray squirrel, rabbit, woodchucks, upland game birds and waterfowl species), the exceptions are as follows: Bear must be already processed or the Food Bank’s butcher will not handle it. Also, fowl of all types must also be processed or breasted out because that meat is not handled by their butcher either.

Hunt for the Hungry is a great way for hunters to share their kill and help needy families get through the winter months. Wild game is a renewable resource that is high in protein, low in fat and 100 percent organic, not to mention very delicious. For more information about the New Hampshire Food Bank, readers can visit their website at: www.nhfoodbank.org. 

Have a great hunting season.

Bob Harris can be reached via e-mail at: outwriter2@aol.com

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