Hunters for the Hungry share meat with needy

Published 10:05 pm Saturday, November 25, 2006

Hunters who already have a freezer full of venison or just enjoy the sport of hunting more than eating their kill are urged to donate their deer to Georgia Hunters for the Hungry. The only collection site for the meat in southwest Georgia is at Safety Rite, 147 S. Ridge Ave.

Harrell Willis, Safety Right’s owner, said that the Southwest Georgia Food Bank picks up the packaged ground venison and distributes it to those who need the meat, which is a good source of protein.

“We’ll be working seven days a week for a while,” Willis said. “We are normally open from 8 to 5 but people can call the after-hours number if they need us.”

Willis said the deer need to be either field-dressed or completely dressed and in a cooler. All of the hunters who donate during this collection season will be entered into a drawing for a deer rifle donated by the Georgia Wildlife Federation.

Hunters who are interested in donating may call the store at 382-1242 or after hours at 392-0207.

According to a GHFTH press release, hunters donated more than 733 deer during the 2005 collection season. More than 170,000 pounds of venison has been donated since the program began in 1993, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division. Hunters can donate deer in one of two ways — at one of seven statewide weekend collection sites that will be available today and tomorrow or at seven processor collection sites that have been operating since Sept. 9 and will continue through Jan. 1, including Safety Rite.

“The Georgia Hunters for the Hungry program is an opportunity to show the positive aspects of hunting by providing a very nutritious, low-fat meal for those who need it,” said WRD Director Dan Forster. “Our agency is very proud to be a part of this program and to work with the many partners who make it possible each year.”

The Georgia DNR/Wildlife Resources Division, Georgia Wildlife Federation, the Georgia Department of Corrections, the Georgia Department of Agriculture, Georgia’s Outdoor Adventures and the Georgia State Association of Food Banks sponsors GHFTH.

For more information about the GHFTH program, visit www.gohuntgeorgia.com, contact a WRD Game Management Office or call 770-761-3044.



To contact city editor Angie Thompson, call 382-4321.