We honor not just business success—but the extraordinary power of purpose-driven action and grassroots service. The Special Recognition Award celebrates an organization that has gone above and beyond in its impact on our community.

The Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce is proud to present this year’s Special Recognition Award to Hunters Helping the Hungry, as they celebrate 25 years of feeding families, fostering community, and addressing a critical local need with remarkable dedication.

What began during the 1997–1998 hunting season as a small effort by three local hunters has grown into a statewide mission. That first year, just 10 deer—about 500 pounds of venison— were donated to help those in need. Today, thanks to the tireless work of HHH and its network of hunters, butchers, volunteers, donors, and supporters, the numbers are astonishing:

Over the past 25 years, more than 16,000 deer have been donated—yielding over 612,000 pounds of nutritious, lean venison. That translates to more than 2.45 million servings of high-protein meals provided to those facing food insecurity throughout New Jersey.

This amazing work addresses two key needs at once: combatting hunger and helping to manage the overpopulation of deer in our communities. Through a carefully coordinated system, hunters donate deer to state-inspected and approved butchers. From there, the processed venison is distributed through major food banks like NORWESCAP, Fulfill, Food Bank of South Jersey, and Mercer Street Friends, reaching more than 400 feeding charities across the state.

It’s important to note that every dollar donated to HHH goes directly toward processing donated deer. The organization is a fully volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit. No board member receives compensation, and all administrative duties are handled by dedicated volunteers. Even the butchers offer discounted processing rates, making every dollar go further.

HHH does not fund municipal or farmer depredation hunts—only deer ethically harvested by New Jersey hunters. And those hunters? They’re often supported by generous farmers and landowners, who open their land or even require that deer be donated through the HHH program.

The impact goes well beyond statistics. Providing lean, low-fat, high-protein venison helps address health and nutrition issues—especially in children and adults with protein-deficient diets. Better nutrition can lead to improved learning, physical health, and long-term well-being.

Over the years, Hunters Helping the Hungry has been featured on CNN, NJN, and numerous local publications, highlighting its unique model of giving back. Every state now has a similar program—but here in Hunterdon County, we’re proud to say it all started with just a few people who saw an opportunity to help and took action.

HHH also hosts fundraising fishing trips and sporting clay events, and donations can be made year-round online or by mail to support this vital mission.

On behalf of the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce, we are deeply honored to recognize Hunters Helping the Hungry for 25 years of service, stewardship, and community impact.

Congratulations, and thank you to everyone who’s been part of this incredible journey.

For more information about events or to learn more about how the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce supports local businesses, please visit www.hunterdonchamber.org or contact us at 908-782-7115 or info@hunterdonchamber.org