Since 1991 the Hunters Sharing the Harvest program has been going on in Pennsylvania. The program allows hunters to donate a portion of their prize to those in need.

In Clearfield County, local food pantries are hoping hunters will participate in the program this year.

Recent cuts in funding have resulted in a lack of meat distribution at local food pantries.  Robin Clark, manager and coordinator of the Clearfield and Curwensville food pantry said meat is scarce.

Clark is hoping the longtime hunting program will be able to help this year.

According to sharedeer.org, the average harvested deer creates about 200 meals. 

In the past, Clark said that the food pantry did not receive many donations from hunters.

According to the Hunters Sharing the Harvest program, 750,000 meals are donated each year through the program.

Clark hopes that the Clearfield Food pantry will see more donations this year.

“Food pantries are always in need of meats.  That is something we have a hard time buying.  It is pricey.  We use all of our money up on meats and cheeses.  So anything we can get, it helps us stretch our money,” said Clark.

Hunters interested in donating venison have to find a participating processor. Visit www.sharedeer.org for more information.