PRATT — In 2010, Kansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry (KSHFH) helped collect 1,108 donated deer, plus other meat, providing nearly 225,000 meals to the needy.

A new study commissioned by the National Shooting Sports Foundation reveals that last year, 11 million meals were provided to the less fortunate through donations of venison by hunters throughout the U.S.

Nearly 2.8 million pounds of game meat made its way to shelters, food banks, and church kitchens and onto the plates of those in need. The venison is usually ground and used in pasta sauces, chili, tacos, meatloaf, burgers, and other dishes.

The study revealed that donations were largest in the Midwest and the South.

KSHFH invites anyone to donate legally-harvested deer or elk to participating meat processors. There is no cost to donate.   The game must be field dressed and legally tagged.

For more information and to find participating meat lockers, visit the KSHFH website, www.kshfh.org.