AUGUSTA – With the 2017 hunting season underway, Governor Paul R. LePage is again urging Maine hunters to consider supporting the Hunters for the Hungry Program by donating all or part of their harvest to feed families in need. The popular program provides a means for Maine hunters, as well as hunters from other states, to donate harvested game to food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters.

"The Hunters for the Hungry Program is an opportunity for hunters to help families in need while participating in a traditional Maine outdoor sport," said Governor LePage. "Donations provide meat to food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters. This effort is successful because of the dedication and generosity of Maine hunters and their support of organizations working to end hunger in Maine."

Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Commissioner Walt Whitcomb noted that since its establishment in 1996, the Hunters for the Hungry Program has provided thousands of nutritious meals to people across the state.

"Since 1996, Maine sportsmen and women have contributed to a program that provides nutritious meals to people across Maine," said Whitcomb. "The Hunters for the Hungry Program puts high quality, native protein on the tables of Maine families."

The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry distributes many types of donations to food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters. The Hunters for the Hungry Program is part of the Department's Emergency Food Assistance Program. It is done in cooperation with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife's wardens, Maine State Troopers and hunters, all working towards a common goal of helping fellow Mainers.

The program accepts bear, deer and moose donations. Road kill donations are also accepted, provided the meat is not damaged. Hunters do not pay for the processing of donated meat. Meat processing costs are paid for by the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry or the charity that receives the food. Hunters choosing to keep their game can still donate a few pounds to the program. Meat processors that are interested in getting involved with the program and learning how it works should call 207-287-7513.

For more information, to donate, or to get connected to a Hunters for the Hungry participating meat processor call 207-287-7513. The program also has a Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/MaineHuntersForTheHungry/

For more information about The Emergency Food Assistance Program:

http://www.maine.gov/dacf/ard/tefap/index.shtml

For more information about the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, go to: http://www.maine.gov/dacf