DOOR COUNTY (NBC 26) — The state has a program that lets hunters donate venison to local food pantries and with government funding cuts to some food assistance programs, that meat is helping fill a growing gap.

The Wisconsin DNR's Deer Donation Program has been around since the early 2000s.

We spoke with a local food pantry to learn more about the program and how hunters can get involved, watch below: DNR Deer Donation Program Helping Food Pantries Amid Funding Cuts

"Well, a program like this is really very important to the food pantries and to our families," Sandi Soik, Director of Lakeshore CAP said.

With USDA funding cuts, Soik says venison donations are more important than ever.

"In October of 2024, we received 28 cases of meat through the USDA." She said. "This morning, I

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