The Perham Meat Locker and Al Ousley, Butcher's Blend in Perham were two sites of approved meat processors in Otter Tail County this hunting season serving as a deer donation site. Through the Minnesota Departments of Natural Resources (DNR) and Agriculture, hunters were able to donate deer for processing. The meat was shared by the Perham and Battle Lake Shelves.
This is the first year the state will be paying the cost of processing. Previously, hunters could donate deer to food shelves but had to pay processing costs themselves. Only meat processors that were approved by the State were able to participate in the donation program and food banks can only accept venison processed from approved processors. North Country Food bank contacted all food shelves in Otter Tail County and found that the Perham and Battle Lake Food Shelves would accept and share venison from the Perham Meat Locker and Butcher's Blend in Perham. People in need will benefit, as venison is a great high-protein, low fat meat source.
The Perham Food Shelf and the Battle Lake Food Shelf would like to acknowledge all the deer hunters for harvesting an extra deer for those in need. Hopefully, this venison donation program will be continued in future years.
Perham Food Shelf
Battle Lake Food Shelf
