Community Unites to Process 2 Tonnes of Venison for Foodbank

Last weekend, a significant community effort took place in Enfield, New Zealand, where over 2 tonnes of venison were processed to support the Salvation Army foodbank. Volunteers, including members of the Oamaru Pacific Island Community Trust and local meat industry workers, came together to ensure that nutritious meals reach those in need within the Waitaki District.

The initiative was spearheaded by Deer to Care, a non-profit organization established by local hunters Stu O’Neill, Tim Cook, a senior detective with the Southland Police, and Wesley Baratcart, the manager of Niagara. The organization aims to combat food insecurity by providing high-quality, locally sourced venison to communities.

Community Collaboration

On Sunday, over 30 volunteers dedicated their time to process the meat from 72 deer and 20 pigs. The effort resulted in approximately 18,500 meals of free-range venison available for distribution through the foodbank. O’Neill, who personally funded the processing and packaging, emphasized the team effort behind the initiative.

“The OPICT really made this happen; it’s a credit to them,” O’Neill remarked. He noted that several of his childhood friends from Enfield participated, highlighting the local ties that strengthened the project.

Salvation Army captain Jocelyn Smith expressed her gratitude for the contributions, stating that the provision of meat in food parcels is a significant “blessing” that helps alleviate food insecurity in the area. She described O’Neill’s involvement as transformative, stating, “Initially he sort of promised 800kg then he doubled it… the work he is doing with Deer to Care and what the OPICT have achieved for those in need is really amazing.”

From Hunt to Community Table

The venison processed during this event was sourced from excess deer collected during the Kurow Valley hunting competition. After processing at Churchy’s Meats in Gore, the meat will be minced and stored in freezers in Bluff before being distributed throughout the Waitaki Valley District.

Volunteers worked diligently from 5 PM to 9:30 PM, coordinating a barbecue to sustain their efforts. Member Silou Temoana remarked on the experience, saying it was “such a blessed evening” and expressed satisfaction with the completion of the task.

Despite the exhaustion that accompanied the two-day mission, O’Neill expressed no intention of slowing down. “There was no time to rest,” he stated, as more work lies ahead to continue addressing food insecurity in the community.

The collaboration between Deer to Care and the Oamaru Pacific Island Community Trust exemplifies how local initiatives can effectively mobilize resources and support for those in need. With ongoing efforts, they aim to ensure that nutritious food reaches vulnerable populations, reinforcing the importance of community solidarity in tackling food scarcity.