Texas hunters have an opportunity to help feed families across Southwest Texas this season through the San Antonio Food Bank’s annual Hunters for the Hungry program. The initiative accepts eligible donated deer and turns the meat into a source of lean protein for people facing food insecurity.
The 2026–27 hunting season comes as Texas’ white-tailed deer population is estimated at 5.64 million, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, a figure cited by the Food Bank in announcing this year’s donation drive. With the potential for a strong harvest, the organization is asking hunters to consider donating extra legally harvested deer.
Hunters, processors and managed-land deer program permit holders can bring legally tagged, field-dressed deer to the Food Bank’s processing facility or a participating processor at no cost. Both white-tailed and exotic deer are eligible. The program does not accept fowl, pork or wild hogs.
The donated venison helps the Food Bank provide nutritious meals through its network of community partners. The nonprofit works with more than 600 partner organizations across 29 Southwest Texas counties, connecting food donations with households that need support.
For those who have deer to donate, the Food Bank provides information about participating processors at safoodbank.org/hunters. Hunters who need a trailer or want to arrange pickup can call or text Dayna Robokowski at 210-431-8485 or email drobokowski@safoodbank.org.
Residents who do not hunt can still participate. The Food Bank is recruiting volunteers to help clean and process venison, with opportunities listed on its volunteer signup page. Monetary donations can also help cover meat-processing fees through the Food Bank’s donation page or through the Hunters for the Hungry option offered when purchasing a hunting license through Texas Parks and Wildlife.
By connecting the hunting community with food assistance, Hunters for the Hungry gives an extra harvest a practical purpose: helping provide meals for neighbors throughout the region.
