Share the Harvest feeds local families

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With the opening of deer season comes the opportunity to combine efforts to help feed the hungry in Perry County.

To make this program successful, simply drop your legally harvested deer for processing at Stonie’s Sausage Shop, 1507 Edgemont Blvd, in Perryville.

The Missouri Department of Conservation and the Conservation Federation of Missouri pay 80 percent of the processing fee.

The St. Vincent Ladies of Charity are fundraising to cover the remaining 20 percent. They share the processed venison with the Immanuel Lutheran and First Baptist food pantries.

“So far, donations are down this year,” said Maureen Mattingly, Ladies of Charity president. “If we do not collect enough money to cover the 20 percent, our pantries will be responsible for coming up with those funds at the end of the season. We need the help of our community to ensure the success of this program.”

Anyone wishing to donate can mail a donation to Ladies of Charity Food Pantry, 1001 Rosati Ct., or drop by the pantry during its hours of operation — 9 to 11 a.m. Monday and 4 to 6 p.m. Thursdays. As a 501c3 charitable organization, your donation is both federally tax deductible and eligible for a 50 percent tax credit to the State of Missouri.

“Last season, 5,395 pounds of ground version were processed and given out to local needy families,” Mattingly said. “Please help us make this possible again!”

For more information on Share the Harvest, visit MDC online at mdc.mo.gov/share.