GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – If your freezers already full from this years gun-deer season, make sure the leftovers go to those in need, instead of in the trash.
Hunt for the Hungry is a program from Paul’s Pantry in Green Bay that has been feeding thousands of low-income families while also reducing waste of venison and other wild game for years.
Craig Robbins, Executive Director of Paul’s Pantry says simply drop off the deer and they’ll do the rest.
“Once they’re dropped off we take them to a processor and it’s ground into one-pound frozen hamburger,” he says.
Robbins says there are a couple of rules to follow prior to donating.
“If you got the whole deer it needs to be field dressed,” he says. “If the temperature is warmer we would like maybe a ten-pound bag [of ice] in the hindquarters and chest cavity.”
Donations aren’t simply limited to deer though, as a variety of wild game is welcomed.
Some of the other wild game that they’ve had donated in the past include elk, turkey, and pheasant.
It also doesn’t need to be meat from your most recent hunt that’s donated, rather they’ll help you clear out your old stock.
“If you have meat left from previous hunts we’ll be happy to take that also,” says Robbins. “If you need to make room in your freezer for this year.”
Robbins says it won’t cost the hunter a penny to donate towards this good cause.
“There’s no charge, it’s just real simple,” he explains. “If you’re donating a deer that you took this year you just bring it to us, give us the confirmation number that you received from the DNR, and that’s all there is to it.”
Hunters from outside the area can access a full list of deer donation drop-off sites within the state here.
Non-hunters can also provide pivotal help in feeding the less fortunate this holiday season.
Paul’s Pantry is always in search of non-perishable food items, especially some Thanksgiving favorites that perhaps weren’t used for this years gathering.
“Canned vegetables, stuffing mix, potatoes, all of those holiday-type items,” explains Robbins.
More information on food or monetary donations can be found here.
