As deer hunting season approaches, Illinois Extension is calling on hunters across Edwards, Lawrence, Richland, Wabash, and Wayne counties to help address food insecurity in their communities. The organization has expanded the Hunters Feeding Illinois program to the five-county area for the 2025-2026 deer seasons, providing a unique opportunity for hunters to donate their legally-harvested deer to feed local families in need.
Through the program, donated deer are processed into ground venison at participating local meat processors and distributed to food pantries in Lawrence, Richland, and Wabash counties. This year, Illinois Extension has partnered with Charlie’s Deer Processing and Smokehouse in Bridgeport and Legacy Meats in Sumner to handle the donations.
“Hunters Feeding Illinois is a wonderful program that really highlights the positive impact of what can happen when a community works together,” said Alizah Harper, SNAP-Ed educator with Illinois Extension. “It helps provide free, high-quality protein to families who might not otherwise have access to it, while also connecting conservation with community service in a meaningful way. We’re grateful for the support we’ve received so far from our partners and donors.”
Hunters interested in donating are asked to field dress their deer and contact either Charlie’s Deer Processing and Smokehouse (618-945-3100) or Legacy Meats (618-936-4072) to ensure donations are still being accepted. The processed venison will then make its way to five area food pantries, helping to fill a critical nutrition gap for local residents.
In addition to ground venison, Illinois Extension is providing participating food pantries with recipe cookbooks, educational handouts, and kitchen tools such as meat mashers and hot pads (while supplies last) to help families incorporate venison into their meals.
Financial support is also needed to cover processing costs, which are $100 per deer. Thanks to a matching pledge from Feeding Illinois, a $50 donation will process one deer. Those wishing to contribute can do so online at donorbox.org/hunters-feeding-illinois, and are encouraged to specify their county in the comments to ensure the funds stay local.
Harper adds, “We hope local hunters have a successful season and consider donating their deer as well. Every bit of support truly makes a difference.”
For more information about donating a deer or making a financial contribution, contact Alizah Harper at the Edwards County Extension Office at 618-445-2934 or visit go.illinois.edu/HuntersFeedingIllinois.
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