Hunger is a reality in many communities across New York State.

             We often fail to see what needs there might be right in our own back yard. Needy families are out there. Sportsmen associated with the New York State Conservation Council saw that and pushed for legislation to address those needs. Since 1993, a law was passed here in New York State that allows sportsmen to do their share to alleviate some of that hunger. The NYSCC membership was a strong advocate pusher for this legislation. 

            In 2000, under the RC &D ( Resource Conservation and Development a US Department of Agriculture Program) and with cooperation from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, along with many sportsmen's groups an idea of a venison donation coalition was formulated. Since that time many corporate sponsors, sportsmen’s groups, individuals and agencies have joined in this coalition to provide food for the needy.  Many farmers, hunters, processors, partners, individuals and sportsmen's federations,  have assisted the Venison Donation Coalition with their efforts. Since 2000, together they coordinated the collection and distribution of 250,000 pounds of ground venison for distribution by food banks. That equates to 1.000,000 servings of highly nutritious, low fat, high protein meat distributed to those in need. For more information on the coalition please link below. 

1. Sportsmen take the venison to a participating meat processor ( best to call ahead) and indicate that they would like to donate a portion of their deer to charity.
2. Each package of meat donated must be labeled, tagged and marked with the following items:

3. Other additives MUST NOT be added to the ground meat