Press Releases
Kuster: We Should Help Hunters Feed the Hungry
Washington, DC,
December 19, 2013
With millions of children and families across the country facing hunger, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Congressman Don Young (AK-AL) have introduced bipartisan legislation that would reward hunters who donate wild game to food banks that help feed the hungry. The Wild Game Donation Act would make hunters who donate game to food charities eligible for a tax deduction to cover the costs of processing.
Introduces legislation that would make hunters who donate game to food charities eligible for a tax deduction to cover the costs of processing; bill would also provide a deduction to meat processors in NH and across the country In 2012, NH hunters donated 1,700 lbs. of game that was distributed to food charities all across NH through the “Hunt for the Hungry” program Kuster: This bill is a win-win: rewards hunters who support charity and helps feed hungry families With millions of children and families across the country facing hunger, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Congressman Don Young (AK-AL) have introduced bipartisan legislation that would reward hunters who donate wild game to food banks that help feed the hungry. The Wild Game Donation Act would make hunters who donate game to food charities eligible for a tax deduction to cover the costs of processing. The legislation would also provide tax credits for processors who take part in charitable donation programs, and protect against the use of spoiled meat for charitable contributions. Senator Schumer (D-NY) introduced companion legislation in the Senate earlier this year. “Thanks to the generosity of Granite Staters, many New Hampshire hunters already have the option of donating meat for free,” Kuster said. “I want to make sure that hunters all across the country have that same option.” “This common sense bill is a win-win: it rewards hunters who donate to food charities while helping feed hungry families. I was proud to partner with Rep. Don Young to introduce this bill, and I hope it will encourage even more hunters to consider donating game to help feed hungry families across the country,” Kuster added. Currently, New Hampshire hunters who donate wild game to the New Hampshire Food Bank can have their meat processed for free due to the generosity of Lemay & Sons Beef in Goffstown. However, hunters who can’t travel all the way to Goffstown – like some of those who live in the North Country – or have their meat processed out of state don’t have that option. Kuster’s bill, which has received support from Feeding America, would ensure that these hunters can receive a tax credit for the cost of processing their meat at all USDA-certified facilities, and encourage more processors to offer their services for free by giving them a tax credit for participating in charitable donation programs. “Over the years the hunters of New Hampshire have been very supportive of the Hunt for the Hungry program, which is a great way to get protein rich foods to those in need,” said Bruce Wilson, Director of Operations for the New Hampshire Food Bank. “We will continue to support efforts to reduce hunger and this is truly one of those.” New Hampshire hunters have a proud history of donating wild game to help feed those in need. Many hunters have donated game meat through the New Hampshire Food Bank’s “Hunt for the Hungry” program, which distributes donated game to more than 400 food pantries, soup kitchens, and homeless shelters across the Granite State. Last year, the “Hunt for the Hungry” program distributed 1,700 pounds of donated game meat to individuals and families in need. A member of the House Agriculture Committee, Kuster has repeatedly spoken out about the need to address hunger and prevent deep cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Earlier this year, she wrote an op ed about and voted against legislation that would have slashed funding for SNAP by close to $40 billion, which would have resulted in four million Americans losing basic nutrition benefits. Kuster has also insisted that any Farm Bill include funding for nutrition programs that help feed hungry children, veterans, and seniors in New Hampshire and across the country. ### |