New Hampshire hunters that have extra venison are encouraged to donate the processed meat to the “Hunt for the Hungry” program at the New Hampshire Food Bank.

Last year, 2,555 pounds of donated deer, bear, moose, duck and other game meat were donated to the program. A record total 3,288 pounds of meat were donated by hunters in 2007.

“The Hunt for the Hungry program is a great way for hunters to share their harvest and help needy families get through the winter,” Glenn Normandeau, Executive Director of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department said. “Wild game is a local renewable resource that is high in protein, low in fat and all natural – not to mention delicious.”

The program offers packaging instructions at http://www.nhfoodbank.org and can pick up your meat donation. To donate game, call Food Bank Operations Manager Michele Garron at 603-669-9725.