New Hampshire’s hunters can help the less fortunate this season by sharing their fall harvest with the Hunt for the Hungry Program. Donations of whole or processed game animals are being collected by the New Hampshire Food Bank of Manchester, which distributes food to more than 270 food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters and group homes statewide.

Last year, Hunt for the Hungry took in more than 1,000 pounds of donated deer, bear, moose, duck and other game meat. The program offers packaging instructions, and program volunteers can pick up your meat donation. To donate game meat to Hunt for the Hungry, call the New Hampshire Food Bank at 669-9725.

“Wild game has historically provided a source of food to hunters, their families and their communities,” said Lee E. Perry, executive director of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. “This program is a great way for hunters to give back to their communities by providing needy families with food to help them get through the winter.”

“We thank New Hampshire’s hunters!” said Michele Garron, the food bank’s operations man- ager and avid hunter. Garron hopes to be successful in the field this season so she can con- tribute some venison to the pro- gram. She noted that deer meat is both delicious and healthful – high in protein and low in fat. “These donations from hunters make a real difference for the needy in our state.”

The holiday season is an important time to contribute to the food bank, but donations are in demand throughout the year, said Garron.

For online hunting license purchases and information on state hunting seasons, visit www.wildlife.state.nh.us.