URBANA, Ill. – In the 2024-2025 hunting season, Hunters Feeding Illinois distributed 25,794 pounds of frozen, ground venison to 54 food pantries across east-central and southern Illinois. This provided an estimated 97,000 meals, reaching nearly 49,800 families.

Formerly the Illinois Deer Donation Program, Hunters Feeding Illinois expanded this year with new partners and increased coverage. Illinois SNAP-Education brought together partners, including Feeding Illinois, Southern Illinois Food Pantry Network, Access Illinois Outdoors, and University of Illinois Extension, to create a statewide network.

Food pantries in 44 east-central and southern Illinois counties were included in the potential donation area, with 54 food pantries in the following counties receiving meat this year: Champaign, Clark, Clay, Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Effingham, Fayette, Handcock, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Marion, Perry, Randolph, Schuyler, Shelby, Union, Washington, and Woodford.

“We are excited to broaden our reach this year, increasing access to lean protein for Illinois families. Local collaborations are the key to our success, and we are grateful to everyone who supports the program, including hunters, meat processors, food pantries, donors, and coalitions,” said Kaitlyn Streitmatter, senior manager of policy systems and environment for University of Illinois SNAP-Education.

Executive Director of Feeding Illinois Steve Ericson had this to say about the value of the program: “The Hunters Feeding Illinois Program and associated partnerships have increased the supply of invaluable, nutritious protein to many of our community food pantries, while also supporting Illinois’ local meat processors and offering an easy opportunity for hunters to help us feed our state’s hungry neighbors.”

To support the program for the next hunting season, visit go.illinois.edu/deerdonation and on Facebook at Hunters Feeding Illinois.