More than a tonne of venison has been distributed to local families after being donated by members of Nelson’s New Zealand Deerstalkers Association (NZDA) branch.
Committee member David Haynes says the target to give families in need a shot of wild game at their table was loaded in October 2021, and the branch successfully applied to the Community Organisations Grants Scheme (COGS) for funds to further support the initiative in August 2022.
He says the COGS grant was $5,221, including GST.
David says between August 2022 and December 2023, 1.079 tonnes of wild venison was processed into sausages, patties, and mince by Richmond’s Meat Solutions and distributed to Nelson Community Food Bank and Kai Rescue, who in turn distributed the venison products to more than 60 community groups.
“We’re pretty stoked and a bit surprised by how successful it’s been, it’s taken on a life of its own. Hunters are more than happy to donate, and the food banks are equally stoked,” he says.
“Every time we rock up at the food banks they’re very grateful, and they make it very clear how thankful they are to us, which is wonderful.
“A special mention should go out to Greg Couper [president] and Carina Jackson [committee member] who’ve been the stars and easily the two biggest providers of meat throughout the programme.”
The Food Safety Authority of Ministry of Primary Industries provided support and assistance in ensuring all hygiene and safety protocols were applied.
David says the branch is keen to continue the venison donations.
“We’ll see if we can apply for a grant again, but at this stage we’re keen to carry it through in 2024, there’s certainly a need for it in Nelson,” he says.
