Hunting Down Hunger

Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH) began with a moment that founder Rick Wilson never forgot. He had come across a woman struggling to lift a deer she found along the roadside into the trunk of her car. Instead of seeing the deer as forgettable roadkill, the woman saw an opportunity she literally could not afford to waste: meat to feed her family. As Wilson helped her load the battered buck into her car, he saw how valuable these game animals are to those struggling with food insecurity.  In 1977, he founded FHFH, a network of local hunters, farmers, butchers, and food distributors that work to ensure this prized protein gets in the hands of those who need it.

“Since 1997, volunteers, donors and supporters have helped us provide 24 million servings of nutritious meat in 30 different states nationwide,” said Executive Director Josh Wilson, Rick’s son, who now leads the organization. FHFH is modeled after Virginia Hunters for the Hungry. “We invite generous hunters and farmers to help feed local families in need. We pay local butchers to process deer and livestock donations, and the meat is given to food banks and feeding ministries that serve as our distribution partners in the community,” Wilson explained, “My dad started FHFH as one local effort in Maryland… Since then we've been active at one time or another in 30 different states!” Today, FHFH is the statewide venison donation program in Maryland and Ohio and supports similar efforts in other areas, with hunters in around 40 states having the opportunity to donate. They partner with over 100 small butcher shops across the country, and each of those then provide meat to local distribution partners.

The need for these donations has only grown. During the nation’s most recent and longest federal government shutdown, FHFH saw a sharp increase in families looking for help. “We started seeing an increase in the number of people contacting us to ask where they could get meat for their family,” Wilson said, “Countless families and individuals rely on food banks and ministries for assistance throughout the year.”

Wilson said that while there can be a stigma around the topic of food assistance, hunger touches every community. “We should remember that much of the security and well being we so often take for granted are blessings from the Lord, and circumstances can change quickly… Any of us can suddenly fall into hard times due to a job loss, illness, or other family struggles outside of our control. Financial hardships aren't always due to poor decisions and life choices people make, and hunger doesn’t discriminate.”

“Meat is one of the hardest items for food banks to keep on the shelves since it's both perishable and expensive,” Wilson said.  Local food banks like Aaron’s Place in Denton see the value these animals hold firsthand. In a note to FHFH, Aaron’s Place Director Cheryl Beaulah said, “Venison is a vital source of protein for food pantries and the communities we serve… Whenever venison is distributed, it is not only a valuable source of nutrition, but also a symbol of generosity and community spirit.” One neighbor told the pantry that “Getting the venison was like heaven sent.” Each donated deer can yield about 160 meals. Farmers can also donate unneeded livestock to be distributed to those in need.

FHFH encourages hunters, farmers, and supporters to get involved. “Your donation makes a real difference right in your own community,” Wilson said. Those who cannot donate meat can help financially, since “the average cost to get one deer processed averages close to $2.00 per pound.”

Funding and logistics remain ongoing challenges for FHFH. “The biggest challenge is raising enough funds to cover the processing costs… A second challenge is finding local participating butchers,” Wilson said. On the Mid-Shore, coordinator Amy Cawley helps manage the flow of donations.

“It's fun watching how God brings hunters, farmers, volunteers, meat processors and donors together to make a real difference for their neighbors in need… It’s truly every deer, every dollar and every prayer working together to help hunt down hunger,” said Wilson.