Upper Essex Baptist Church in Caret, Va. embarked on a commitment more than five years ago by joining in a partnership with Virginia’s “Hunters for the Hungry“ Program. Since that time, the “Hunter’s Ministry” of Upper Essex has distributed more than 19,000 pounds of processed, cut and wrapped venison in Essex, King and Queen, Richmond, Westmoreland, Northumberland and Lancaster Counties. This accomplishment has not gone without the Reverend Roy Foster recognizing the important contributions which many have made to the program. 

     In a recent letter noting the ways in which hunters and others who support the Upper Essex Baptist Hunter’s Ministry can help, he added, “Never could we have dreamed the response would have been as great. To all of you hunters who have helped in this ministry financially, donating deer, hauling deer to the slaughter house, or helping distribute meat I offer a personal word of thanks. Thanks to hunters like you, we established a new record for our ministry, receiving and distributing 106 deer last season.” 

     With the 2001-02 deer season underway in November, Reverend Foster and others who support the Hunters for the Hungry Program are hoping for support to come from the community. The goal remains to provide the healthy, nutritious gift of venison to those in need. Hunters wanting to donate a harvested, tagged and field dressed deer can bring them to the refrigerated unit located at M&L Gas and Shop on Route 17 in Champlain. Upper Essex Baptist Church also has a freezer which they use to process, store and distribute donated venison. Hunt clubs and individual hunters are encouraged to join in the effort. 

     One organized hunt by Claraville, Alfonso and Cull Hunt Clubs last year on January 1 provided 20 deer which were processed and distributed to hungry, needy people throughout the Region. Others not involved in a hunt can also help either by donating funds (it costs $30 to process and wrap one deer) or to transport donated deer to the slaughterhouse in Fredericksburg. Assistance in getting the meat distributed to organizations and agencies is also welcomed. 

     To find out more about Hunters for the Hungry and the local efforts of Upper Essex Baptist  Church, call 804-443-5720. The Hunters Ministry will also be having a “Sportsman’s Breakfast” at the Church Social Hall on Route 624 (Essex Church Road) on Saturday, November 24 from 6:15-7:30 a.m. All proceeds donated will offset the cost of the meal. Any funds left over will be used to help with the Church Hunter’s Ministry. 
 

© 2001 Steve and Chelly Scala All Rights Reserved