As hunters get out this fall for the annual deer hunting season, the University of Illinois Extension is hoping they'll consider participating in their deer donation program.

Caitlin Mellendorf a Nutrition Educator with Extension explains the deer donation program helps them provide meat to food pantries with an educational component about preparing venison. 

According to Mellendorf, the pantries are primarily located in south central Illinois and she is excited because they just got the first deer of the season donated last week.

Mellendorf calls the process a full-circle program. If you are not a hunter but would like to participate, Mellendorf indicates they are always taking donations to help pay the processors for their time and you can contribute monetarily by visiting the 'Illinois Deer Donation' Facebook page or visiting go.illinois.edu/deerdonation.