In its fourth year, the University of Illinois Extension continues to grow its 'Hunters Feed Illinois' program.

Formerly known as the Deer Donation Program, Caitlin Mellendorf with Extension in DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt Counties reminds that this programs allow hunters who harvest a deer, who may not be able to take that processed deer home, to donate it to a food pantry.

The reception to this program has been outstanding, particularly for those food pantries that receive the meat. Mellendorf explains that the Extension has been promoting all the things you can do with deer meat.

With the second firearm season about to open this weekend, Mellendorf is reminding hunters who may be interested in making a donation to connect with their processing center to make sure they can handle the additional deer.

For more information, visit extension.illinois.edu/food/hunters-feeding-Illinois.