(NEWTON/OLNEY) Area deer hunters are encouraged to help out this year’s Hunters Feeding Illinois program whereas harvested deer are donated to participating meat processors, who in turn provide venison meat to statewide food pantries to help families in need. Hunters in Clay, Richland, Jasper, Lawrence, Edwards, Wayne, and most of the surrounding counties are urged to help out. In Richland County, the freshly ground venison will be provided to three local food pantries, including The Master’s Hands, The Giving Hope Food Pantry, and The Good Samaritan of Richland County, but only based on the amount of harvested deer donated. Others in the area can also help out with monetary donations for the meat processing cost. For each $50 donated, the Feeding Illinois program matches that to pay for the $100 processing fee. To see how folks and/or hunters can help out, go to the go.illinois.edu/HuntersFeedingIllinois website online. The first three days of the firearm deer hunting season is tomorrow, Saturday, and Sunday in all downstate counties.
