Share the Harvest program expands to feed more Missourians
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – With deer hunting underway in Missouri, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and partners encourage Missouri deer hunters to Share the Harvest (STH) by donating venison to help feed Missourians facing hunger.
One of the nation’s first venison-donation programs, STH has provided more than 6 million pounds of venison to help feed hungry Missourians since it was started in 1992 by Missouri hunters who wanted to share their harvested deer with neighbors facing food insecurity. The statewide deer-donation program is administered by MDC, the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM), the Missouri Association of Meat Processors, and Feeding Missouri in collaboration with hunters, meat processors, food banks and pantries, local businesses, and sponsors.
In recent years, STH has averaged about 5,000 donated deer annually equaling approximately 250,000 pounds of venison given to Missourians in need every year. In 2025, nearly 800,000 Missourians experienced food insecurity, which created significant demands on food banks and charitable feeding programs throughout the state.
“Share the Harvest brings together Missouri’s hunting and conservation traditions with an opportunity to help our neighbors in need,” said MDC STH Expansion Coordinator Jake Hindman. “Donations to Share the Harvest help strengthen food security, support conservation efforts, and continue a proud Missouri tradition of neighbors helping neighbors.”
To help meet this growing need, STH is working to expand its impact with a goal of 6,500 donated deer during the 2026 season and 10,000 deer in 2027.
“Over the past year, we’ve listened to hunters, meat processors, and other partners to identify ways to make Share the Harvest easier and more accessible,” said Hindman. “This season as a program network, we’re piloting new donation options such as refrigerated coolers at select locations for more convenient drop-offs, eliminating required hunter donation fees, and increasing processor reimbursements. These pilots will help us learn what works and build a stronger, more sustainable program for the long term.”
How to Share the Harvest
Hunters can donate a whole field-dressed deer by taking it to an approved STH meat processor. Find STH processors at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/deer/share-harvest/share-harvest-meat-processor-lookup.
Donating is free for hunters but voluntary contributions remain welcome. Hunters complete a simple form, and participating processors prepare donated venison for distribution through local food banks and food pantries. People in need seeking venison can contact their local food bank or food pantries about availability.
In addition to donating harvested deer, hunters can also help by encouraging others to participate, donating financially when purchasing hunting permits, or contributing through CFM at confedmo.org/share-the-harvest/.
Why Share the Harvest
Venison is a naturally lean, locally harvested source of protein. Through STH, Missouri hunters help manage deer populations and feed families by providing nutritious food to people in need. Processing costs for donated venison are covered by program funding and sponsors.
STH is committed to providing safe, nutritious venison to Missourians in need. To help protect families who receive donated venison, deer harvested in counties within 10 miles of a confirmed chronic wasting disease (CWD) detection are tested before the meat is distributed. This testing helps support public health recommendations and is not intended to monitor the spread of CWD. New this year, the program will collect information identifying the county where the deer was harvested rather than the exact harvest location.
Learn more about STH from MDC at mdc.mo.gov/share and from CFM at confedmo.org/share-the-harvest/.
Get more information from MDC’s 2026 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet, available at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/deer and where permits are sold.
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