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State Representative Rick Hansen
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-6828
For more information contact: Matt Swenson 651-297-8406
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REP. HANSEN & VON HANSON'S PARTNER IN EFFORT TO FIGHT HUNGER
EAGAN – Representative Rick Hansen (DFL – South St. Paul) saw the legislative process through from start to finish today at Von Hanson's Meats in Eagan, donating a deer he killed this weekend in rural Fillmore County. A bill Hansen authored last session provided all Minnesota hunters the opportunity to donate deer carcasses to their local food shelves free of charge. Prior to Rep. Hansen's bill, hunters had to pay for processing fees in order to donate their venison.
"The program has done a lot of good this hunting season," said Rep. Hansen. "People across the state have been donating their deer at local, certified processing points like here at Von Hanson's. It's great to know that this program helping hungry people in all corners of the state."
Doug Theis, co-partner of Von Hanson's Meats, has seen the impact of Hansen's legislation firsthand this hunting season – calling it a "great success." As one of the sixty-eight participating meat processors voluntarily taking part in the program, Von Hanson's Eagan location has had fifty donations already – some hunting parties bringing in eight to twelve deer at a time. Theis says the program is a common-sense effort in the fight against hunger in Minnesota.
"Why waste all this?" said Theis. "Some of this venison would have gone to waste. This program is a great way to put this meat to good use, for a good cause. We at Von Hanson's are happy to help in any way we can."
After the venison is processed at Von Hanson's and other meat processors throughout the state, it then goes into the hands of local food shelves, like those working in partnership with Second Harvest Heartland – a non-profit organization that distributes food and grocery products to 950 agencies and programs in 59 counties of southwest, central and Metropolitan Minnesota and western Wisconsin.
Newell Searle, Second Harvest Heartland's Vice President of External Relations, was on hand at Von Hanson's when Rep. Hansen donated his doe this afternoon. Searle worked closely with Hansen and other legislators to make this program a reality. He is pleased with the results the state's venison donation program has delivered thus far this season.
"In the face of declining donations from food processors, we are seeking new sources of high quality food products. Venison is one of the best, " said Searle. "This is a program that connects hunters and non-hunters as well as connecting a traditional sport to a basic human need."
Rep. Hansen is hopeful that Minnesota hunters will make donating venison part of their hunting tradition in years to come.
"This program has great potential to be a strong, positive influence in Minnesota's fight against hunger," said Hansen. "Together we can make a difference for people right here in our local communities who deal with the reality of hunger every day."
Additional questions about the program and its implications in the lives of hunters and hungry Minnesotans can be directed to Rep. Hansen by phone at (651) 296-6828 or by email at rep.rick.hansen@house.mn.
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