ADRIAN, Mich., Feb. 2, 2026 – Hunters Helping Lenawee, a program of The Lenawee Community Foundation (LCF), announced today an incredible year of venison donation into the Lenawee community.
As of January 30, 2026, a record 12,652.5 pounds of venison has been donated to Lenawee food pantries and community meal programs. Nearly two and a half times the amount donated in the same period last year. This equates to at least 50,610 meals for our neighbors in need. The Hunters Helping Lenawee program has provided more than 130,500 meals since its inception, making a significant impact in the effort to help lessen hunger in Lenawee.
Nearly 15 percent of Lenawee County residents face food insecurity. With the ability to feed at least four people with each pound of venison donated, Hunters Helping Lenawee is providing lean, quality protein to help fight hunger right here at home.
Hunters Helping Lenawee began in 2010 with initial funding from individual donors and grants from local foundations, including the Lenawee Community Foundation.
The first year of the program, just over 1,200 pounds of venison was donated. That number has increased tenfold over the life of the program. Participating deer processors include Exact Wildlife Creations (Tipton), Kasper’s Hickory House (Clinton), Palmer’s Deer Processing (Britton), as well as the addition of Monahan’s Meat Market (Adrian) this hunting season, which has had a significant impact on venison donation to the program.
“Hunters Helping Lenawee shows what’s possible when generosity and community come together,” said Bronna Kahle, LCF President and CEO. “From hunters and processors to food pantries, meal programs, volunteers, and donors, so many caring people make this program thrive. This commitment helps ensure local families, individuals, and seniors have access to nutritious meals—strengthening the health, happiness, and hope of our community.”