Foodbanks in Southland are receiving generous donations of venison, complete with cooking recipes, thanks to a new charity initiative. The We Hunt Food Trust, in collaboration with the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation, allows hunters to donate venison they harvest to help struggling families in need.
Roy Sloan, a spokesman for the initiative, highlighted the abundance of deer in Southland and the need to manage their population due to their impact on vegetation and farmland. He mentioned instances where deer were left unused after being killed, emphasizing the importance of utilizing this resource to support those in need.
Regulations often prevent hunters from selling venison, making donations to foodbanks a valuable alternative. The We Hunt Food Initiative aims to provide venison to foodbanks at a lower cost compared to other red meats, while also contributing to conservation efforts by reducing deer numbers.
The initiative conducted a successful trial in Invercargill, supplying affordable venison mince to foodbanks. Plans are in place to expand the product range to include items like sausages and patties, with venison also being distributed to foodbanks in Auckland.
Sloan emphasized the importance of connecting the process of harvesting deer with delivering the meat to those in need, especially during times of economic hardship. He shared poignant stories of families struggling to afford basic meals, highlighting the significant impact of food donations.
The newly established charity, We Hunt Food, is projected to distribute up to five tonnes of venison in its first year, providing valuable support to foodbanks and families facing food insecurity.
