Bustos: We Should Reward Hunters Who Donate Game & Help Feed The Hungry

Press Release

Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), a member of the House Agriculture Committee, announced support for bipartisan legislation that would reward hunters from across the country who donate wild game to food banks that help feed the hungry. The bipartisan Wild Game Donation Act (H.R. 3728) would make hunters who donate game to food charities eligible for a tax deduction to cover the costs of processing. The bill 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.

"As the mother of three sons who are avid sportsmen, my family, like so many others across our region of Illinois, has always enjoyed hunting as a pastime," said Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. "The common sense bill is a win-win: it rewards hunters who donate food to charity while helping to feed hungry children and families in Illinois. While many hunters already have the option of donating meat, this bill builds on existing efforts and ensures hunters across the country have the incentive to help feed those in need."

Illinois Sportsmen Against Hunger (ISAH), has been helping to provide meals to the hungry since 1994. In 1994, 11 meat processors participated in the ISAH program, that number grew to 43 in 2010. Since 1994, over 790,000 pounds of venison have been donated through ISAH, which has provided over 3.1 million meals to needy families in Illinois.

The Wild Game Donation Act was introduced by Democratic Congresswoman Ann Kuster (NH-02) and Republican Congressman Don Young (AK-AL) last month. Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) has introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

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