April 7, 2025
Contact: Joe Presgrove, 517-643-3809
Hunters Feeding Michigan, Food Bank Council of Michigan work together to fight hunger
Other partners also contribute to program aimed at helping feed those in need
 The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has contracted with the Food Bank Council of Michigan to support and facilitate the DNR’s Hunters Feeding Michigan program, which connects donors, wild game processors and charities to help feed those in need. The program allows hunters to share their harvest by donating deer at a participating processor, then helps distribute venison donations to people in need.
The Food Bank Council of Michigan is dedicated to working with the DNR and all Hunters Feeding Michigan partners to provide more venison to Michigan families facing food insecurity. The council’s established food distribution network will help get venison to those who need it through existing FBCM distribution channels and partners. |
 “It’s a privilege to work side by side with the Food Bank Council of Michigan to grow the Hunters Feeding Michigan program and to help channel venison donated by hunters to local food agencies throughout the state,” said Joe Presgrove, DNR Hunters Feeding Michigan program specialist. “Together we will help many Michiganders in need!”
The Food Bank Council of Michigan, founded in 1984, leads a unified effort to end hunger across the state. By addressing the root causes of hunger, FBCM raises awareness, advocates for policies that protect those in need, conducts in-depth research to find sustainable solutions, and provides thought leadership and resources to Michigan’s food banks. Working with its network of seven regional food banks, which cover all 83 Michigan counties and serve over 2,800 hunger relief agencies, including church pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, school pantries and other community action organizations, FBCM strives to ensure that no Michigander goes without food. |
 In 2024, over 195 million pounds of food were distributed through the seven Feeding America food banks in Michigan.
“We are excited to help partner with the participating deer processors and hunters to expand the Hunters Feeding Michigan program and are looking forward to what the future holds,” said Garrett Zuver, Food Bank Council of Michigan Agriculture Program specialist.
DEER CAMP® Coffee Roasting Company partners with DNR to support Hunters Feeding Michigan
The DNR is also proud to announce a new partnership with Sterling Heights-based DEER CAMP® Coffee Roasting Company & Outfitters, aimed at enhancing support for the Hunters Feeding Michigan program.
DEER CAMP® Coffee Roasting Company & Outfitters is an award-winning, women-owned Michigan roasting company with premium blends inspired by the great outdoors.
“Whether you’re fueling up for your next outdoor adventure or relaxing by the fire, every sip delivers bold flavors, smoothness and unmatched quality,” said Julie Majewski, director of DEER CAMP® Coffee Roasting Company & Outfitters. “And through this partnership, your love of coffee can make a real impact! This incredible initiative helps provides venison to those in need, ensuring no one goes hungry while celebrating Michigan’s hunting traditions.” |
 Coffee drinkers – or those looking for a great gift – can support Hunters Feeding Michigan by purchasing a bag of DEER CAMP® Coffee Donor Doe, a medium roast blend, or Traditions dark roast blend (DNR deer patch is included with Traditions purchase). Shop online at deercampcoffee.com or visit a DEER CAMP® supporting location to pick up a bag.
“We are thrilled to work with DEER CAMP® Coffee Roasting Company & Outfitters on this important initiative. This partnership highlights the spirit of collaboration within Michigan’s hunting community, and together, we can make a meaningful impact on hunger and conservation,” Presgrove said.
The partnership will focus on fund development, with proceeds from special products going directly to support the processing and distribution of donated venison to those in need in our state.
“At DEER CAMP®, we believe in great coffee, strong traditions, connecting and giving back to the community. This partnership with the DNR is more than just a collaboration – it’s a way for us to support hunters, conservation efforts and those in need. Every purchase makes a difference, and together, we can create lasting change, one cup at a time,” Majewski said.
Retailers interested in supporting the program and carrying the products can visit https://www.faire.com/direct/deercampcoffee.
Sponsorship/partnership opportunities
Interested in sponsoring or partnering with the Hunters Feeding Michigan program? Contact Joe Presgrove at [email protected].
To learn more about the program, visit Michigan.gov/HuntersFeedingMichigan. |
Note to editors: Accompanying images are available below for download. Caption information follows.
- Deer Camp logo.
- Food Bank Council of Michigan logo.
- Hunters Feeding Michigan logo.
- Meal: The Food Bank Council of Michigan’s seven Feeding America food banks across the state serve over 2,800 hunger relief agencies, including church pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, school pantries and other community action organizations. Pictured here is a venison meal served at Grace Centers of Hope in Pontiac.
- Traditions: Purchasing a bag of DEER CAMP® Coffee Roasting Company & Outfitters Traditions dark roast (pictured here), which includes a DNR deer patch, or Donor Doe medium roast supports the processing and distribution of donated venison through the Hunters Feeding Michigan program.
- Venison: The DNR’s Hunters Feeding Michigan program connects donors, wild game processors and charities to help feed those in need, allowing hunters to share their harvest by donating deer at a participating processor, then helps get venison donations to people who need food. Here, packages of frozen venison await distribution.
|
