Recently, students in the Smith County High School Hunting Club raised money, donated deer, and volunteered to support the statewide Hunters for the Hungry program.
Read the following press release from the Tennessee Wildlife Federation to learn more.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 7, 2019) – Tennessee Wildlife Federation, one of the largest and oldest nonprofits dedicated to conserving the state’s wildlife and natural resources, announced that Smith County High School in Carthage is the regional winner of the Hunger Challenge.
The Hunger Challenge is an initiative of the Federation’s Hunters for the Hungry program, which connects food banks and soup kitchens with caring deer hunters. Tennessee Wildlife Federation provides funding to wild game processors across the state who then receive donated venison from hunters, process the meat, and make it available to local food assistance programs. Since its establishment in 1998, more than 6 million servings of venison have been donated.
The Hunger Challenge, a point-based competition among high school clubs, provides a way for youth to participate in this effort. The challenge raises critical funds to help feed hungry Tennesseans and serves as an educational experience for students. Participating students gain important skills in humanitarianism, club-building, leadership, and philanthropy.
Smith County High School was the Region 2 champion, meaning the students in the Hunger Challenge club raised more money, volunteered more hours and donated more deer to Hunters for the Hungry than other school in the region.
Smith County High School also won the Statewide Top School Volunteer Award for volunteering 270 hours––more than any other school in Tennessee.
With the 21 deer donated by Smith County High School, 3,402 servings of venison were distributed to local Tennesseans in need.
Smith County High School club member J.R. Hord won the award for individual Top Harvester in the region––donating seven deer.
“The Hunger Challenge is just one example of how Tennessee Wildlife Federation is constantly working to engage youth in the outdoors,” said Matt Simcox, Hunters for the Hungry manager. “Involvement in the Hunger Challenge teaches students respect for wildlife and what it means to be good stewards of our resources. The Federation is impressed by the commitment of these students and grateful for their contributions to the program.”
Christian Brothers High School in Memphis is the statewide champion. McKenzie High School, Morgan County High School, and Jefferson County High School rounded out the regional winners.
The Hunger Challenge begins again in August and schools interested in participating can visit tnwf.org for more information.
Tennessee Wildlife Federation leads the conservation, sound management, and wise use of Tennessee’s great outdoors. Since 1946, the Federation has spearheaded the development of the state’s wildlife policy, advanced landmark legislation on air and water quality and other conservation initiatives, helped restore numerous species, and introduced thousands of kids to the great outdoors. To learn more, visit tnwf.org.
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