With the deer hunting season upon us, the University of Illinois Extension is asking hunters to keep a growing program in mind. 

Caitlin Mellendorf, Nutrition Educator with the U of I Extension for DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt Counties explains the Deer Donation Program supports food pantries with venison called Hunters Feeding Illinois.

Mellendorf notes they have seen a lot of growth with this program and this year there are a few changes. They have partnered with Feeding Illinois, which plans to match all donations the Extension receives for the program. 

All of the fees for processing the deer meat are taken care of through donations and fundraising. According to Mellendorf, for the processing of the deer to be free to the hunter, they need to go to an approved processor. 

If you'd like more information on where to go to donate your deer and support your community, visit go.illinois.edu/dmp.