Help Feed the Hungry with Donations to Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger
The Department of Natural Resources has made changes to the license sales system, making it easier for hunters and anglers to automatically add $1 to their license purchase as a donation to Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger (MSAH) – a program that supports the processing and distribution of venison to food banks and kitchens in Michigan.
Anyone can be a part of this ongoing effort to help those in need. Last year more than 26,000 pounds of donated venison was processed using funds provided through this donation program. The ground venison was then passed on to local food banks and food kitchens throughout Michigan. “It was enough venison to supply over 100,000 meals with a source of nutritious protein,” said Raymond Rustem, DNR contact for Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger. “With the new system, if just one out of 10 hunters each donated $1 this year we could easily double or triple that amount.”
Donating is easier than ever. When making a license purchase, interested hunters and anglers should let the license agent know that they would like to donate $1 to help Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger. The license agent will automatically add $1 to the license purchase total. If making the license purchase online, the buyer should click “Yes” when asked to donate to Sportsmen Against Hunger.
“Today, we have the opportunity to continue a tradition started by hunters before us, who hunted to provide food for early settlements in Michigan,” said Dean Hall, president of Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger. “Hunter donations of funds or venison can help those who are experiencing hard times.”
To donate a deer, get more information about the program or find the nearest processor, visit the MSAH website at www.sportsmenagainsthunger.org.
Individuals who do not fish or hunt can also support this program. Visit the Michigan estore www.michigan.gov/estore, click on “Tax deductible donations” and then on “Help Feed the Hungry” and fill in the information about the donation.
Donors are reminded to save any receipts or forms. Donations to Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger can be used when itemizing income deductions on federal tax forms.
“Many people continue to struggle in this economy,” said Rustem. “Donating to this important effort is a simple way to help.”
