Exciting News! The Agricultural Stewardship Association (ASA) is once again teaming up with hunters this season to utilize an abundant natural resource to help feed the hungry in our local communities!
The process is simple >> Hunters harvest deer from an overabundant population. >> Area meat processors produce high-protein venison burger. >> The meat is distributed to local food banks and given to people in need. >> ASA reimburses the area meat processors for producing the ground venison.
Did you know approximately 110,000 Capital Region families, including nearly 47,000 children are in need of food assistance? Many of these families depend upon local food banks and pantries to help put food on the table for themselves and their children. When you donate an average-sized deer, you can help feed up to 200 people.
This season our goal is to channel 500-800 pounds of processed venison through our regional food banks and pantries. That would equal 1,000-1,600 meals!
Why Deer?
• New York’s deer population is said to be somewhere around 955,000 in 2022.
• Crop damage sustained by farmers and deer-auto collisions have risen dramatically.
• New York farmers estimate annual deer-related crop damages over $50 million.
• Hunting is a cost-effective method of controlling and maintaining a stable deer population.
• These factors have resulted in a surplus of nutritious venison that can be utilized to help feed the hungry in New York State.
How to Donate a Deer
- Contact ASA staff member Janet Britt (janet@agstewardship.org) by phone (518) 692-7285 to let ASA know you’ll be participating and where you are planning to send your deer for processing
- Enjoy a Safe and Successful Hunt
- Carefully Field-Dress, Legally-Tag and Report Your Deer
- Take the Whole Deer to Any Venison Processor Near Where You Hunt or Live
- Complete the ASA Donor Receipt Verifying Your Donation
- Know You Helped Feed Local Families in Need
You can help fill the gaps for individuals at risk of hunger while enjoying an activity you love.
Thank you for your support in delivering wholesome, high-protein meat to those in need.
DONATE A DEER TO ASA THIS YEAR!
