In the midst of uncertain times and a weakened economy, Hunters for the Hungry exceeded expectations by posting an increase of nearly 8 percent in donated meat.

During the 2008-2009 hunting season, hunters donated a total of 192,040 pounds of meat through 104 processors in 74 counties.

More than 90 recipient organizations received and distributed the meat to those in need.

"This could not have been accomplished without the participation of hunters, meat processors and faithful supporters of the program," said Anita Hendricks, program coordinator.

In addition, several charitable grantors made it possible for Hunters for the Hungry to receive more meat on behalf of the program, including the NRA Foundation Inc. Since its inception, the NRA Foundation Inc. has funded more than 15,000 grants totaling over $100 million, becoming America's leading charitable organization in sup- port of the shooting sports.

State fund grants benefit a variety of constituencies including youth, women, individuals with physical disabilities, gun collectors, law enforcement officers, hunters and competitive teams.

For the third consecutive year, the NRA Foundation offered its support to the Texas Hunters for the Hungry program, granting $7,000 for the 2009-2010 hunting season. "These funds make it possible to subsidize meat-processing fees for deer donated through wildlife management projects," said Hendricks. "Grants like these continue to offer opportunities for meat to be donated that would otherwise go to waste."

To learn more about the program or to apply for the wildlife management project subsidy, visit www.tacaa.org/hunters.htm. Monetary donations also are accepted through the Web site.