Sportsmen Against Hunger

In 2004, the North Dakota Community Action Association (NDCAA) initiated a public education campaign to encourage local community sporting groups to develop a venison donation program. This campaign was initiated due to the statewide problem of hunger, reflected in needs assessments completed by the seven Community Action Agencies across the state of ND. The North Dakota Community Action Association applied for and received the Community Food and Nutrition Grant, administered through the ND Department of Commerce, Division of Community Services, which was used for processor scholarships and to make brochures and posters for the public education campaign. The main focus was to educate state wide hunting groups, smaller local hunting organizations and meat processors about the Sportsmen Against Hunger Program and to encourage them to come up with fundraisers to support the program. Presentations were also given state wide to promote the program. With the help of local organized groups and area processors, Sportsman Against Hunger had a successful first year. In 2004, with only 3 of the 8 regions of the state involved, 115 processed deer were donated to the food pantries because of this program.

With much thanks to the generosity of the clubs, the Community Food Nutrition grant and the processors we were able to expand the Sportsman Against Hunger Program in 2005. We added some new processors and covered 6 of the 8 regions throughout ND. We are proud that through this program and all the support from other organizations Sportsman Against Hunger processed 241 deer in 2005. The venison was distributed to numerous food pantries across the state. Throughout the summer we were able to gain processing support in the final two regions, the program now exists statewide. This program is not only through Community Action agencies, there are a couple sportsmen groups that do it within their own communities throughout the state.

Sponsoring sportsmen clubs include: Slope Area Rifle and Pistol Club—Dickinson, Pheasants For the Future(PFTF)— Minot, Safari Club International—Bismarck, Barnes Co. Wildlife Federation—Valley City, Fargo Area Sportsmen Group—Fargo, Lake Region Sportsmen's Club—Devils Lake, Stutsman County Wildlife—Jamestown, Bowmen of the Thicket—Devils Lake, Devils Lake Rotary Club-Devils Lake, Lake Region Optimist Club-Devils Lake.

We have a long way to go, according to a survey completed by food pantries across the state, pantries would be able to accept up to nearly 71,000 pounds of venison per year. Because of the cost of quality protein, food pantries often run low on high protein foods like meat, especially during the winter months and over holidays. Unfortunately the Community Food and Nutrition dollars have been zeroed in the federal budget and are not a resource for this program, we are now looking for additional sponsors and partners to help expand the program and help hungry ND families.

For more information or to get connected with those involved in your community please call Ann Pollert, ND Community Action Association at 701-232-2452 or 1-800-726-7960.

Click HERE for the 2005 Final Results.