A program from Feed Nova Scotia and the local hunting community is getting a boost from the provincial government. The “Hunters Helping the Hungry” program puts locally sourced meat on the table for Nova Scotians in need. The program has been running for more than 20 years and is expected to provide 12,000 servings this year, or 1,200 kilograms of meat. Hunters donate meat from deer, bear or moose by bringing it to licensed participating meat cutters. Once processed, it’s donated to Feed Nova Scotia which distributes it provincewide to member food banks. “Having a choice of foods that are familiar and meaningful matters, and donated wild game helps expand those options for people accessing food banks,” says Ash Avery, the executive director of Feed Nova Scotia, in a provincial news release. On Thursday, the provincial government announced it’d be spending $30,000 as a one-time provincial grant to go toward the processing of deer harvested during the managed hunt in Truro, N.S., this fall. The annual hunt is conducted as part of the town’s deer population management strategy and runs until mid-December. “We know more Nova Scotians are turning to food banks for support, and having access to nutritious food, including good sources of protein, matters,” says Susan Corkum-Greek, minister of opportunities and social development. “Hunters Helping the Hungry is a great example of people and communities coming together to help their neighbours, and we’re pleased to support that work.” Minister of Natural Resources Tory Rushton echoes this. “Hunters have always shared their harvest with neighbours, and this program helps that generosity reach Nova Scotians who need it most,” he says. “This program is helping to maximize the public benefit of deer already harvested for wildlife management and ensuring Nova Scotians have access to nutritious local meat.” For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
