‘Brings back memories’: Medicine Hat food bank accepting wild game donations

Any donated wild game must have harvested legally and carried out with safeguards, among other rules outlined on an Alberta Health Services information page.

The Root Cellar partners with the Hunter Sharing the Harvest Program. The program raises money to support the processing of wild game for food banks.

Melissa Mullis, executive director of the Root Cellar, said there is a different level of appreciation with these kinds of offerings.

Hunters can process their animals and bring them to Seven Person’s Premium Sausage, the Root Cellar’s butcher of choice.

“They’re such an integral part of ensuring that it’s easy for people to donate and that it’s easy to get it into our shelves,” said Mullis about Premium Sausage.

The entire procedure is funded by the Hunter Sharing the Harvest program, and the meat is tested in a licensed facility.

All animals must pass a Chronic Wasting Disease test before distribution to the food bank.

Mullis said believed Alberta’s culture of hunting contributes to the appreciation for these donations.

“I think there’s a culture of hunting in our city, in Alberta in general. I think that it brings back memories,” she said.

“(Including) good memories of your grandpa hunting and bringing meat. So lots of people just really get excited about when we have it on our shelves.”

While some families may utilize food banks by necessity, programs such as these can offer them high quality provisions, Mullis said.

by Jayk Sterkenburg

‘Brings back memories’: Medicine Hat food bank accepting wild game donations

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