(Nov. 23, 2004) — A proclamation making November 2004 Maryland Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH) Month was recently presented by Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. to FHFH representatives. The proclamation recognizes the good work that is accomplished by sportsmen and landowners who provide much needed red meat to food banks and local feeding programs through FHFH. Governor Ehrlich signed a similar proclamation in 2003, making this the second consecutive year that November has been designated Maryland FHFH Month.

Maryland Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. (left) presents a signed proclamation to Maryland FHFH Coordinator Josh Wilson (center) and FHFH Executive Director Rick Wilson (right).

“FHFH gives hunters the opportunity to return to their heritage as food providers for the needy,” said Maryland FHFH Coordinator Josh Wilson. “We deeply appreciate Governor Ehrlich’s proclamation and the opportunity he has given us to share our work with the general public.”

The proclamation was presented to FHFH in Annapolis, MD at the first ever Maryland Sportsmen’s Summit, held October 29-30, 2004. The Summit, hosted by the Maryland Legislative Sportsmen’s Foundation in cooperation with the Maryland Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, provided a forum to address regulatory, budgetary and statutory issues of mutual concern to those who hunt, fish and trap in the state. The Foundation and the Caucus have been vital supporters of FHFH, passing legislation in 2002 allocating $1.00 from the sale of each regular hunting license to support venison donation programs in Maryland. This year they assisted in the development of a special inspection program through the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Office of Food Protection to enable custom game processors to participate with FHFH.

FHFH is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that transforms deer and other big game—God-given renewable resources—into food for the hungry nationwide. Last year FHFH paid for the processing of over 60 tons of donated venison in Maryland, resulting in the distribution of over 480,000 meals to the needy. Active in nearly 30 states, FHFH has been responsible for the donation of over 1,600 tons of deer and other big game, providing meat for 12.8 million meals to the hungry since 1997.

Those interested in supporting FHFH with deer donations or financial contributions, or beginning an FHFH program for their area are encouraged to visit www.fhfh.org or call 1-866-GET-FHFH. Contributions are tax-deductible.