PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management announces that the Hunters and Fishermen for the Hungry program, which has been highly successful in a number of other states, is now operational in Rhode Island. Through the program, anglers and hunters can donate their surplus fish and game - such as venison, Canada goose, and fish - properly processed, packaged, and refrigerated, to a number of local food kitchens to help Rhode Islanders in need.

"High quality protein is in high demand, yet food kitchens receive very few donations of meat and fish," says Michael Lapisky, Acting Chief of DEM's Division of Fish and Wildlife. "This program provides a means for the state's hunters and anglers to help their neighbors."

The Division, in cooperation with the Rhode Island Food Bank, coordinates the donation program. The Division supports the food bank with donations from its finfish surveys, and with commercially caught donations of fish, such as scup. The Hunters and Fishermen for the Hungry program expands the concept to recreational anglers and hunters.

"We are aware that similar efforts involving fish have already been launched by some charter boat fishermen, such as Thad Gruczka and Ron Mouchun in Charlestown, who have been coordinating with the Shelter Cove Marina," said Lapisky. "We applaud their good will, and seek to complement their effort, and expand it to include the recreational hunting community, with our coordinated, statewide program."

The Division maintains a list of locations, updated regularly, where fish and game may be donated, and has also prepared a booklet with guidelines on handling game and fish for donation, as well as a collection of game and fish recipes for the food kitchens. All of this information is available on DEM's website, www.dem.ri.gov, by clicking on "Programs", then "Fish and Wildlife", then "Wildlife Management and Hunter Education." An information packet is also available by calling the Division at 789-0281.