That means every one of Indiana’s 91 counties has a starving community, some larger than others, according to Feeding America. Monroe County and Bloomington are no exception within these findings.
One of the organizations taking action in an effort to help fix this problem is Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry, an organization that hunts the surplus of deer and game animals and then donates the meat to certified processors to be given to people in need.
Ian Munnoch, a third-season Monroe County FHFH coordinator and hunter, said he had a change of motivation for the sport when he was introduced to the organization.
“In the past, when I was hunting, I was always on the lookout for that trophy buck to hang on the wall,” Munnoch said. “Now I am more concerned about what harvesting does to feed the ?hungry.”
Munnoch said the FHFH Monroe County chapter harvested 106 deer, which provided 13,000 meals of venison protein last year, helping dozens of kitchens and food banks in the surrounding counties. This operation comes together with the help of Hoosier Hills Food Bank, which Munnoch said is “a distribution hub for the community kitchens in our area.”
“Agencies shop here and pick what they need,” said Jake Bruner, director of development at Hoosier Hills. “The deer meat provides protein for families that really need it, and protein is an item that people in poverty definitely desire.”
With all the business aspects of FHFH put in place and a product that is full of healthful benefits for consumers, Munnoch said there is still one problem that needs to be solved: showing hunters how easy it is to become involved.
“We have spent a lot of time getting the word out to hunters that the program exists,” Munnoch said. “Our biggest challenge is informing hunters that they can harvest that extra doe and donate it to FHFH. Most hunters are not aware we pay for the harvesting of the deer.”
FHFH’s mission is to “invite hunters to return to their heritage as ‘food providers’ in the modern world as an outreach ministry of the people of God,” according to its website. Along with supplying nourishment for family, friends and community, farmers and hunters now have an added bonus of service gratification that comes with their work.
“When I look at the accomplishments (FHFH has) made toward providing high-quality protein to children and families in and around Monroe County, I do have a feeling of gratification knowing that the extra venison I, and the many hunters in this program provide, makes a difference,” Munnoch said.
With the fall season officially underway, Munnoch said he is really trying to promote FHFH.
“We are always looking for more volunteers both locally and around the state,” he said.
For this hunting season, Munnoch said the goal of FHFH has risen quite substantially.
“Last year, in all of Indiana, the total meals were over 100,000,” he said. “This year we are hoping to double that number.”
To learn more about FHFH, visit fhfh.org/Home.asp .
