With food costs on the rise and cuts to food benefits, the Becker County Food Pantry is reminding hunters that their donation of venison can make a big difference for families in need.
The pantry participates in Minnesota’s Hunter Harvested Deer Donation Program, which allows hunters to donate processed venison for local food shelves. Gutted and registered deer can be dropped off at Hoffman’s Meat Market, located at 114 W. North Street in Detroit Lakes. Both archery and firearm-harvested deer are accepted, and there is no cost to donate.
Hunters simply need to sign a donation form at the time of drop-off. The program is a cooperative effort between the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, the Department of Natural Resources, and regional food banks.
More information about the program is available at dnr.state.mn.us/hunting/deer/donation.