2013-14 HSH – Consol Energy Partnership Update

As of March 2014, statewide totals for whole deer donated to this unique hunter’s program and pounds of venison burger turned over to statewide food banks and charitable food distribution organizations indicate donations were again average. To date a total of over 82,000 pounds, derived from 1,996 reported deer, as delivered to food banks, soup kitchens and needy families has been logged in. However, some HSH deer processors still have yet report in with their results, so these totals will increase and improve to some extent.

While the Game Commission reports that the overall deer harvest was up 3% last season, the amount of donated meat entering the food bank pipeline is influenced by more hunters needing the meat for their own families, less hunting pressure, lack of deer in preferred areas or the opportunity for time afield, and actual harvest success in many areas. Weather, access to hunting areas and other factors tied to the economy and local circumstances will also affect the overall donation cycle. The HSH program sets an annual goal of 100,000 pounds of donated meat to help Pennsylvanians, which was last exceeded for the 2008 hunting season with 102,000 pounds.
For the state’s southwest region, the new first-year partnership between CONSOL Energy, Hunters Sharing The Harvest and Hunger Free PA network of food banks forged a relationship which capitalized on CONSOL’s vast footprint in the 5-county area which was termed successful. More than 552 deer were donated, thanks to major news media coverage, CONSOL’s own staff, local food bank publicity and by partnering with the Westmoreland County Sportsmen’s League and the National Pike Branch of the Quality Deer Management Association. Over 22,000 pounds of venison that provided over 88,000 meals were distributed through the Corner Cupboard Food Bank [Greene County], Fayette County Community Action Agency, Greater Washington County Food Bank and Westmoreland County Food Bank.

The program and its partners hope to continue this challenge in future years. On behalf of all the non-profit partners involved, we wish to recognize CONSOL Energy for their enthusiastic support and cooperation. Background information on this project and other HSH developments is available by visiting www.sharedeer.org or by calling 866-474-2141.