December 13, 2023 – Hunters still have time to donate to the Illinois Deer Donation Program, as the 2023-2024 hunting season ends on January 14. Donated deer help feed individuals and families in central Illinois, and hunters do not have to pay the processing fee at partnering meat processors.
The local partnering meat processor for the Decatur area is the Moweaqua Packing Plant in Moweaqua.
“Our second donation year is going great,” says Caitlin Mellendorf, nutrition and wellness educator. “Our partnering pantries have been able to distribute lean protein to individuals and families thanks to the generosity of hunters.”
The ground venison is shared with food pantries in sixteen central Illinois counties: Champaign, Clark, Clay, Coles, Crawford, Cumberland, DeWitt, Douglas, Edgar, Effingham, Fayette, Jasper, Macon, Moultrie, Piatt, & Shelby. Along with the meat, guests receive recipes and resources from Illinois Extension to help them prepare venison at home.
Illinois Deer Donation Program is funded in part by Health Equity Achieved Together, a multi-disciplinary collaboration with University of Illinois Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education.
