INDIANA — Is fall your favorite season and hunting your favorite sport? Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry would like to remind all hunters and landowners about its deer donation program.

Approximately, 1 out of every 4 households within Indiana (that have children) report an inability to be able to afford enough food to feed their family and over 30 percent of Hoosiers regularly have to choose between paying bills or buying food. Protein, the number one nutrient that is vital to brain and body development, is also the hardest commodity for food banks to obtain.

Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry encourages hunters and farmers to donate large game or livestock to one of our participating butchers to be processed, picked up by local hunger relief agencies and distributed within the county in which it was donated and where funding is available. There is no charge to donors.  All processing fees are paid by Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry through tax deductible cash donations and grants from state and local agencies and organizations.

Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry would also like to remind everyone to be safe out there this season. Have a plan before you set out to hunt to ensure your safety, as well as those around you. Some helpful tips include:

• Know your target. Be aware of what you are shooting at and what is beyond it.
• Carry a first-aid/emergency kit in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
• Mark all ground blinds with 144 inches of solid hunter orange so other hunters are aware of you.
• Ensure tree stands are fully secure and that you pull your gear up AFTER you are safely in your stand.
• Make sure someone knows your location.

After you’ve filled your freezer, please help us to feed those in need within your community by donating to the Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry’s “Meat” the need program. To date, the organization has 90 participating meat processors working in 85 counties in Indiana.  Go online to find a processor near you.

For more information on the Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry program, its services, and how you can help, please visit online.