JACKSON, Wyo. — The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) is reminding hunters about the opportunity to donate harvested game meat to help combat hunger across the state.
The statewide Food from the Field initiative is focused on fighting hunger and building a sustainable food future. Launched by First Lady Jennie Gordon in 2020, the program is part of the Wyoming Hunger Initiative.
WGFD partners annually with the Wyoming Department of Agriculture and participating meat processors to bridge a gap between sport hunters and organizations fighting food insecurity. WGFD stated that hunters donated 78,529 pounds of wild game meat between 2020 and 2024. All deer and elk undergo testing for chronic wasting disease to ensure safety before entering the food bank system.
“We are grateful to Wyoming’s hunters, whose willingness to share their harvest provides a sustainable solution to hunger in our community,” WGFD Interim Director Eric Wiltanger said in a statement. “Sharing all or part of your harvest, knowing it will directly feed a local family, is a win for everyone.”
Any hunters interested in donating game meat can bring their harvest to a participating meat processor and choose to donate either a few pounds or the whole animal. A financial donation to help cover the processing fee is appreciated, though not necessary. The partnering agencies will cover the remaining costs of processing and will distribute meat to local anti-hunger organizations.
According to Wyoming Hunger Initiative’s website, there are two regional meat processing partners: Salt River Meat Co. in Afton and Star Valley Meat Block and Cold Storage in Thayne.
