Wyoming’s majestic landscapes offer hunters some of the best opportunities in the world; a new program aims to enable them to share that bounty with residents in need.

The Food from the Field program is intended to streamline hunters’ ability to donate game meat to food pantries so it can be distributed to Wyomingites in need.

The ultimate goal is to utilize Wyoming resources to combat food insecurity, complementing existing donation efforts around the state. The increased collaboration between these agencies offers a framework for more meat processors to participate, program leaders say.

Launched by First Lady Jennie Gordon’s Wyoming Hunger Initiative, Food from the  Field is a partnership with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Wyoming Department of Agriculture, Wyoming Food Bank of the Rockies and meat processors throughout the state.

“I am so excited to invite hunters to become part of a Wyoming solution to hunger,” Gordon said. “As an avid outdoorswoman and hunter myself, I know the opportunity to give back to our most vulnerable neighbors will be a rewarding one.”

As part of the program, all deer, elk and moose will undergo testing for chronic wasting disease to ensure safety prior to entering the food bank system.

Wyoming Food Bank of the Rockies will be organizing all donations to be distributed to food pantries across the state.

“This game meat will nourish the bodies of many, and it will feed the hope they so desperately need,” said Wyoming Food Bank of the Rockies Director Tony Woodell.

To ensure longevity of the program, Wyoming Hunger Initiative will be raffling off two Wyoming Game and Fish Department Commissioner tags to assist with processing fees of donated game. Tickets for the first raffle may be purchased at www.nohungerwyo.org through 11 a.m. on June 12.

Hunters are invited to make a financial contribution to cover the cost of processing if they’re able, with Wyoming Hunger Initiative covering the remainder.

“Hunters know as well as anyone the value of our wildlife, and I invite them to share their successfully harvested game with their Wyoming neighbors,” said Game and Fish Director Brian Nesvik.