In addition to supporting RC&D Councils in New York, the NY Federation has been involved in a venison donation program. Deer hunters and farmers can donate venison to be processed and distributed to help feed those in need throughout New York State. Because donated deer must be professionally processed, the NY Federation of RC&Ds, in partnership with NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and the Venison Donation Coalition has coordinated a program where legally harvested and properly field-dressed deer can be taken to participating processors at no cost to the hunter or farmer. Custom processors are recruited to participate and paid to process the donated deer. The venison is processed and packaged according to the Environmental Conservation Law. This highly nutritious meat is picked up by Food Banks for delivery to soup kitchens, food pantries, and needy families throughout New York. Since 1999, over 400,000 pounds of venison has been donated in New York State representing approximately 1.6 million meals. For more information about the program or to find out how to donate venison, please visit www.venisondonation.org.

For more information about each of New York’s eight RC&D Councils please click on the links in this website for program and contact information.

Equal Opportunity Statement: All programs and assistance of the RC&D Council are available without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.