Rep. Garth Everett (R-Lycoming)
HARRISBURG – With the first day of rifle season for white tailed deer in Pennsylvania quickly approaching, Rep. Garth Everett (R-Lycoming) is encouraging successful hunters to share a portion of their catch with those in need.Every year, Pennsylvania deer hunters donate tens of thousands of pounds of venison, or deer meat, to local food banks and soup kitchens through the Hunters Sharing the Harvest (HSH) program.
Established in 1991, HSH is sponsored by Pennsylvanians for the Responsible Use of Animals and operates with the cooperation of the Pennsylvania Game Commission and state Department of Agriculture, along with several state sportsmen’s organizations.
The HSH program calls upon hunters to donate anything from a few pounds of venison to a whole deer to help needy Pennsylvanians.
On average, the meat from one deer can provide 200 meals for hungry Pennsylvanians. Venison is a good source of protein, low in fat and eagerly sought after by food banks for its nutritional value.
With more than 1 million deer currently living in Pennsylvania, it comes as no surprise that hunters have managed to donate more than 80,000 pounds of venison a year to needy individuals and families though food banks and soup kitchens.
One of the group’s largest costs is the result of processor reimbursements, which is why HSH continually accepts monetary contributions year-round for its services. Hunters donating their harvest voluntarily pay a $15 tax-deductable fee toward each processed deer. The remainder of the processing fee is covered through HSH sponsors and generous donations of individuals across the state.
Anyone interested in contributing venison to the HSH program should call 1-866-474-2141. Information can also be found by visiting Everett’s Web site at RepEverett.com and clicking on “Sharing the Harvest.”
Filed under: Government , Rep. Garth Everett
