Local Deer Processors Impacted by COVID-19

Hagerstown, MD – Many hunters across the country enjoy processing the deer they harvest into delicious steaks, roasts, and specialty items such as sausage and jerky at home. Many others rely on the services of local butcher shops and meat markets for their deer processing needs – locations that may be impacted this fall by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH) venison donation ministry is advising hunters who plan to donate deer to any hunters for the hungry program – along with those who opt to have their own deer processed professionally – to avoid frustrating surprises by checking with their local butcher for any changes related to COVID-19.

“The impact of COVID-19 on some of the larger commercial processing plants in locations across the country has had a trickle-down impact on many local butchers and meat markets,” said FHFH Executive Director Josh Wilson. “There are some meat processing locations that are completely booked with livestock processing until well into the new year – and as a result some have opted to pause the deer processing portion of their business until they are caught up. With more people than usual depending on food assistance programs and ministries due to the pandemic, we are encouraging all hunters to plan ahead and make sure they can continue to donate their deer this season.”

While this situation is not expected to impact all areas, hunters should check with their local butcher or meat market ahead of time to become aware of any changes due to COVID-19. In the event that a location is not handling deer at all this season, it may be possible to find an alternate location for donation or custom deer processing within a reasonable distance.

FHFH has distributed nearly 21 million servings of nutritious meat to local food banks and ministries that serve the needy across America since 1997.? Financial support from individuals, businesses, churches, organizations, and foundations enables FHFH to pay participating butchers a discounted rate to process and package deer and livestock donated by hunters and farmers.

FHFH welcomes new volunteers and financial supporters to join the cause. Those interested in learning more can visit www.fhfh.org, call toll-free 866-438-3434, or email staff@fhfh.org for more information.

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