Hunters Help the Hungry

Meat is a valuable source of energy and protein and is often lacking in meals of families in need. That is why Nova Scotia's food banks are looking forward to the beginning of the hunting season and the second year of the Hunters Help the Hungry program.

"Last year, 850 pounds of meat were donated to Nova Scotia's food banks through the Hunters Help the Hungry program," said Dianne Swinemar, executive director of Feed Nova Scotia. "That translates into about 3,500 meals for hungry people across Nova Scotia. Hunters have made a big impact in Nova Scotia communities and we're looking forward to another successful year."

Hunger is a fact of life for more than 40,000 Nova Scotians and not nearly enough protein is given to Nova Scotia's food banks. Donating a portion of deer or moose meat will make a big difference for families in need. In the program's second year, organizers hope to reach all hunters, asking them to provide what they can.

"This is a great way to accomplish our goal of maintaining stable deer and moose populations, while giving to families in need," said Department of Natural Resources Minister David Morse. "We are proud to be a part of a great initiative that exceeded our expectations last year because of the generosity of many."

The process is easy. After registering the moose or deer, hunters take the meat to one of 17 participating, registered meat cutters throughout the province and tell them how much they want to donate. Feed Nova Scotia will take it from there, ensuring the meat is well placed at one of the 150 member food banks in the province.

"Many of us take it for granted, but meat is expensive and is missing from many dinner tables across the province," said Tony Rodgers, executive director of Nova Scotia's Federation of Anglers and Hunters. "Hunters work hard to conserve our wildlife and make the best use of our sustainable natural resources. This is one way to make sure people who have an abundance can give to those without."

Hunters Help the Hungry is a joint initiative of Feed Nova Scotia and the hunting community, in partnership with Department of Natural Resources, novascotiahunting.com, Eastern Woods and Waters and the Federation of Anglers and Hunters.

For more information on this program and other ways Feed Nova Scotia is helping feed the hungry, go to www.feednovascotia.ca .