University of Illinois Extension serving Edwards, Lawrence, Richland, Wabash and Wayne counties is bringing back the local Hunters Feeding Illinois program as archery deer season begins Thursday.
The program allows hunters to donate legally harvested deer, which are processed into ground venison and distributed to local food pantries. Illinois Extension facilitates the local effort in partnership with Feeding Illinois.
During the program’s inaugural year in the five-county area, hunters donated 83 deer, resulting in 2,698 pounds of venison for five food pantries in Lawrence, Richland and Wabash counties.
The number of deer that can be accepted during the 2026-27 season will depend on donations to cover processing expenses. Feeding Illinois matches contributions, meaning a $50 donation will cover the processing cost for one deer.
Hunters wishing to participate should field-dress their whole, legally harvested deer and contact a participating processor before bringing it in to make sure donations are still being accepted.
This season’s participating local processors are Charlie’s Deer Processing and Smokehouse in Bridgeport at 618-945-3100 and Legacy Meats in Sumner at 618-936-4072.
Financial contributions can also be made through local Extension offices or through the Hunters Feeding Illinois online donation program. Donors are encouraged to designate Edwards, Lawrence, Richland, Wabash or Wayne County so their contribution supports the local program.
For additional information, contact the Edwards County Extension Office at 618-445-2934. To learn more about Hunters Feeding Illinois, visit go.illinois.edu/HuntersFeedingIllinois.