URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — During the most recent hunting season, Hunters Feeding Illinois gave out food to almost 50,000 families.

The organization distributed 25,794 pounds of frozen, ground venison to 54 food pantries across east-central and southern Illinois. This venison equated to 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 such as Feeding Illinois, Southern Illinois Food Pantry Network, Access Illinois Outdoors and University of Illinois Extension to create a statewide network.

“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,” said Executive Director of Feeding Illinois, Steve Ericson.

Food pantries in 44 east-central and southern Illinois counties were included in the potential donation area, with 54 food pantries in the in the following counties receiving venison this year:

• Champaign
• Clark
• Clay
• Coles
• Cumberland
• Douglas
• Effingham
• Fayette
• Handcock
• Jackson
• Jasper
• Jefferson
• Marion
• Perry
• Randolph
• Schuyler
• Shelby
• Union
• Washington
• Woodford

To support this program for the upcoming hunting season, visit go.illinois.edu/deerdonation or check out the Hunters Feeding Illinois Facebook page.