Area hunters provide meat for needy families

  • By Dave Mast
  • March 15, 2010
  • 743
                        
This past deer season created a wonderful opportunity for area hunters to get out into nature and partake in a sport which many of them have grown quite passionate about. But it also gave them a chance to do something else Holmes County’s people have become known for, and that is supporting those around them who are less fortunate. That opportunity came through Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH), a national organization that focuses on using donated deer meat to feed needy families. FHFH was founded in 1998 by Rick Wilson, a Hagerstown, Md., art teacher. FHFH provides processing fees for Christian Missions Network of Brothers, venison processors and nonprofit food charities throughout the United States. Currently, in Ohio, there are nearly three dozen chapters. Last year, in Ohio, there were upward of 1,200 deer processed, providing nearly 60,000 pounds of meat. This year, with FHFH having established a new chapter specific to Holmes County headed by Dustin Taylor of Millersburg, the hope was that people would get in line to donate both deer meat and money. When hunters turn in their deer meat, the organization picks up the cost of the processing, making the venture cost-free for the hunters to do their part. “This is such a worthwhile program, but any time you start something like this, there are always plenty of things to worry about,” said Taylor. “It’s a scary leap of faith, but people here are amazing in coming through for others. This is such a great outreach ministry in our community, and since I enjoy hunting, it seemed like a great way to get involved. I was thrilled with the way the community got behind it, too.” Taylor said that with the state increasing the number of deer that may be harvested by hunters during the upcoming bow and gun hunting seasons, there could be plenty of deer donations in a county that is well-known for its deer hunting. With a half dozen drop sites located throughout the county that were part of the meat processing program, getting a deer to the nearest site was simple. Taylor said the scenario created a win-win situation for everyone. The Love Center and Share-A-Christmas received much needed food items. The hunters were able to bag their limit and have a place to donate meat. The processors were happy because they received the business and were able to participate in a quality service-type project. Finally, families in need of food were the recipients of the end result. And, in this case, all of the donated meat found its way to a food bank located in the county where it was donated, with all Holmes County donations going to the Love Center Food Pantry in Millersburg, meaning that it all stayed right here in Holmes County. “One of the reasons I wanted to get involved with this program was so that all of the meat donated would stay close to home,” said Taylor. The success of the event has already got Taylor thinking about the future. “The first year of this program was a huge success and I am hoping that it only continues to grow,” said Taylor. “I think we will continue to gain in strength and numbers each year. I know we have a lot of hunters in Holmes County, and a lot of generous people willing to help. I am hoping that as people learn more about this mission that they will give.” The total number of deer donated in Holmes County to FHFH was 112 deer, which made for a total of 5,867 pounds of meat. From that weight, meat donated to the Love Center was 5,467 pounds, while the other 400 pounds was donated to Share-A-Christmas in the form of deer bologna. Local donations came in from community members to the sum of $5,108. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) provided matching funds through a grant, creating an initial pot of $10,216. FHFH Central Support took out $766.20, while processing fees totaled $6,944, leaving a balance of $2,505.80, which will carry over for next year. Taylor said that he is already excited about the possibilities of continuing the outreach for 2010-11. The ODNR grant funding match is not etched in stone yet, but Taylor will be meeting with officials to see if they can continue the match. Otherwise, the processing funds will come from caring donors from around the community who see the need to help provide meat for the needy. “I’d love to see ODNR continue to provide those matching funds,” said Taylor. “That turned out to be a major part of what we wanted to accomplish. But I know that either way, the people of Holmes County will continue to give, because we have so many people here who care about others. I want to personally thank everyone for their generous support of the new FHFH program in the first year, and helping to make it a success. I really appreciate them taking a risk and supporting a new program in the community.”


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