BISMARCK, N.D. (PNS) – In its latest Food Price Outlook, the USDA says rising food costs might not level off until next year.

In the meantime, a North Dakota project involving hunters could connect households with a key source of nutrition. Community Action Partnership is again carrying out its Sportsmen Against Hunger initiative. Each fall, hunters are encouraged to donate some of their deer and elk meat and other designated game to pre-approved meat processors.

The products are delivered to food shelves throughout North Dakota. CAP ND’s Carmel Froemke says some families might still be recovering from economic hardships caused by the pandemic. She adds there’s now the issue of more expensive groceries.

She says the donated meat can serve as a vital source of protein for families in need, especially when these types of products are traditionally hard for food shelves to obtain. Last year, the program saw a record of roughly 4-thousand pounds of donated meat.

This year, the USDA says food-at-home prices have increased by 2.5%.

Froemke says the rich tradition of North Dakota families going out each fall on hunting trips serves as an inspirational backdrop in the effort to fight hunger. She describes the awareness of sharing the haul with others.

Froemke says they could use the assistance of more processers in western North Dakota to help ensure product is prepped for area food shelves. As for recipients, organizers say they aren’t required to take any additional steps to take home the donated product.