Hunters feed the hungry

KHFH

Kentucky Hunters for the Hungry is a charitable volunteer run organization comprised of responsible hunters and conservationist who encourage hunters to harvest and donate deer each season. KHFH is a statewide hunger relief program dedicated to providing a healthy source of protein to needy Kentuckians. 

The mission is to alleviate hunger and malnutrition in Kentucky by paying for the processing and distributing donated venison to those in need, to provide an outlet for hunters to help their communities and promote environmental stewardship through wildlife management. 

The Pendleton County Extension Service partnered with KHFH and focused on deer meat distribution for low-income families though our local food banks.  The impact from this partnership with the state, a local deer processing plant, local hunters and several county food banks shown several positive impacts:

1. Addressing Food Insecurity:

The program plays a crucial role in addressing food insecurity by providing a sustainable source of protein to low-income families and food banks.

2. Community Engagement:

Local hunters contributing 25 deer to the program demonstrate a strong sense of community engagement and social responsibility. This collaboration fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose.

3. Nutritional Benefits:

Deer meat is a lean and nutritious protein source, contributing to the overall health and well-being of recipients. This is particularly important for individuals and families facing economic challenges who may struggle to afford high-quality protein.

4. Promoting Sustainable Practices:

Utilizing deer meat from local hunters promotes sustainable hunting practices and reduces local deer populations, which can help manage ecosystems and prevent overpopulation issues.

5. Supporting Local Food Banks:

The partnership with four local food banks enhances their ability to provide diverse and nutritious food options. This, in turn, strengthens the resilience of the local food distribution network.

6. Volunteer Engagement:

The program involves volunteers in the collection, processing, and distribution of the deer meat. This engagement not only supports the program's operations but also fosters a sense of community service among the volunteers.

7. Scaling Impact:

Delivering over 1000 pounds of deer meat to multiple locations signifies a significant scale of impact. It demonstrates the potential for the program to grow and reach more individuals and communities in need.

8. Raising Awareness:

Programs like "Kentucky Hunters for the Hungry” can raise awareness about the intersection of hunting, food waste reduction, and addressing hunger issues. This could potentially encourage other communities to implement similar initiatives.

In summary, the "Kentucky Hunters for the Hungry" program contributes positively to addressing food insecurity, promoting sustainable practices, supporting local communities, and raising awareness about the importance of collaborative efforts in tackling societal challenges.  

The Pendleton County Extension Service would like to thank our partners and express our appreciation with recognizing them for their contribution and efforts in making this program grow annually.  Thank you to our local hunters that donated deer, Lenoxburg General Store for processing and packing the deer meat, our local game warden, Scot Horn, for helping organize our county efforts and Gathering Wing, Open Hands Ministry and School Resource Centers for distribution of the deer meat to families in our community. 

Watch for this program again next year.