Utah Hunters Face Roadblock in Donating Game Meat to Food Pantries
With food pantries across Utah grappling with low supplies, hunters are eager to donate game meat to alleviate food insecurity. However, state regulations make such donations nearly impossible.
Under current rules, the Utah Food Bank requires all donated meat to carry a USDA stamp of approval.
This presents a major hurdle for hunters. Shane Brown, manager at Champion Meats, explains the problem: “The problem is, you can’t certify game meat that’s wild game because, for it to be inspected, it has to be killed under inspection.”
While these regulations are intended to ensure public health, they limit well-meaning efforts by hunters.
Brown notes that every year, customers inquire about donating their game meat but are thwarted by legal barriers. “(There are) people every year that ask us to donate (their game meat) and we can’t because it’s against the law,” he said.
Lessons from Other States
Some states, like Maine and Wisconsin, have implemented systems allowing safe game meat donations.
For example, Maine accepts game meat processed at approved facilities, provided it meets strict guidelines, such as ensuring the meat doesn’t come from animals in “Do Not Eat” areas.
These systems demonstrate that it’s possible to safely integrate game meat into food assistance programs.
Brown expresses hope that Utah will eventually follow suit. “(We are) hopeful Utah will change some regulations and allow his clientele to share their freshly killed spoils,” he added.
A Missed Opportunity to Combat Food Insecurity
With food pantries seeing a surge in demand, the inability to utilize game meat represents a missed opportunity. Hunters, eager to contribute, remain sidelined by regulatory constraints.
The question remains: will Utah adapt its policies to turn this untapped resource into a solution for hunger?
As discussions around these regulations continue, many in the hunting community and beyond hope for a change that balances safety with compassion.
Learn more about how game meat could help fight food insecurity and explore innovative solutions on our homepage.
