Hunters Helping Lenawee Sees Another Record Year

Venison donations to local food pantries and meal programs reach new high.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 4:52pm

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The Hunters Helping Lenawee program, run by the Lenawee Community Foundation, had another record-breaking year in 2026 with over 12,650 pounds of venison donated to help feed local families in need. This is nearly 2.5 times the amount donated the previous year, providing enough meat for over 50,000 meals.

Why it matters

With nearly 15% of Lenawee County residents facing food insecurity, the Hunters Helping Lenawee program plays a vital role in providing lean, nutritious protein to local food pantries and meal programs. The program has now provided over 130,500 meals since its inception in 2010.

The details

Hunters Helping Lenawee works with local deer processors like Exact Wildlife Creations, Kasper's Hickory House, Palmer's Deer Processing, and the new addition of Monahan's Meat Market in Adrian to collect and distribute the donated venison. The program has seen a tenfold increase in donations over the life of the initiative.

  • As of January 30, 2026, a total of 12,652.5 pounds of venison had been donated.
  • Hunters Helping Lenawee began in 2010 with just over 1,200 pounds of venison donated in the first year.

The players

Lenawee Community Foundation

The organization that runs the Hunters Helping Lenawee program, providing initial funding and ongoing support.

Exact Wildlife Creations

A deer processor in Tipton that participates in the Hunters Helping Lenawee program.

Kasper's Hickory House

A deer processor in Clinton that participates in the Hunters Helping Lenawee program.

Palmer's Deer Processing

A deer processor in Britton that participates in the Hunters Helping Lenawee program.

Monahan's Meat Market

A new deer processor in Adrian that joined the Hunters Helping Lenawee program in 2026, having a significant impact on venison donations.

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What they’re saying

“Hunters Helping Lenawee shows what's possible when generosity and community come together. From hunters and processors to food pantries, meal programs, volunteers, and donors, so many caring people make this program thrive. This commitment helps ensure local families, individuals, and seniors have access to nutritious meals — strengthening the health, happiness, and hope of our community.”

— Bronna Kahle, President and CEO, Lenawee Community Foundation

The takeaway

The Hunters Helping Lenawee program demonstrates the power of community collaboration to address food insecurity, with hunters, processors, food pantries, and donors coming together to provide thousands of nutritious meals to families in need across Lenawee County.