Partners Who Make It Possible
Processor Contributions
Each year, MSAH honors the processors whose generosity helps transform donated deer into nutritious meals for Michigan families. The table below lists this year’s recognized processors, their contribution levels, and the impact of their no-charge processing services.
Processor Name | City | Total Pounds Contributed | Contribution Value | Recognition Tier | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lambert's Meat Market | Gladwin | 2,555 | $7,110 | Venison Tenderloin Level | |
Smith's Meats | Millington | 300 | $690 | Venison Steak Level |
A Shared Mission
The Processor Recognition Program reflects a simple truth:
We accomplish more when we work together.
Hunters, processors, donors, volunteers, and food banks each play a vital role in ensuring that Michigan families have access to high-quality, nutritious protein. By celebrating the processors who support this mission, we strengthen the entire network—and help more people across our state.
MSAH Processor Recognition Program
The Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger (MSAH) Processor Recognition Program honors the wild game processors who help transform donated deer into nutritious meals for families in need. These businesses play a vital role in Michigan’s hunger-relief network, contributing countless hours and resources to ensure that donated venison reaches food banks and pantries across the state.
Since 1991, MSAH and its partners have distributed more than 1.26 million pounds of processed venison—over 5 million servings—to communities throughout Michigan. This impact is made possible through the combined efforts of hunters, food banks, donors, and especially the processors who prepare and package the venison that feeds families.
Why Processors Matter
Processors are a central link in the MSAH mission.
Hunters donate their harvest. Food banks distribute the meals. But processors make the connection possible.
Their expertise ensures that all donated venison meets quality standards and is safely prepared for consumption. Many processors also choose to provide part of their services at no charge, enabling MSAH to stretch each donated dollar further and serve more families across the state.
Because MSAH receives no state funding and operates entirely on direct donations, these contributions—financial and in-kind—carry meaningful impact.
Recognition Levels
To acknowledge the generosity of processors who provide no-charge services to the program, MSAH recognizes these contributions annually through a tiered recognition structure:
Venison Tenderloin Level
$5,001 and above
Venison Backstrap Level
$1,001 – $5,000 in no-charge services
Venison Steak Level
$501 – $1,000 in no-charge services
Ground Venison Level
$1 – $500 in no-charge services
Recognition is based on the total value of no-charge processing reported to MSAH during the current season. All recognized processors are highlighted on the MSAH website and may be included in select communications and outreach materials.
How Recognition Works
At the end of each season, MSAH reviews processor reports to determine the value of any no-charge services provided. Processors do not need to apply for recognition and are not required to submit additional paperwork. Recognition is automatically calculated based on the information already provided to MSAH.
Recognition includes:
- Listing on the Processor Recognition Page
- A tier badge that aligns with the processor’s contribution level
- Optional link to the processor’s website or social media
- Acknowledgment in select statewide communications
It is important to note that MSAH never asks processors to provide free services. Recognition exists to highlight those who choose to contribute in this way and to celebrate their role in supporting Michigan families.
View Current Processor Contributions
MSAH publishes an annual list of processors and the value of their no-charge services, updated throughout the season. This transparency helps hunters, donors, and community partners see the impact of processor contributions in real time.
Continue Supporting the MSAH Mission
Michigan’s wild game processors are essential partners in feeding families across our state. If you would like to help strengthen this network and expand our impact, here are several ways to get involved:
Become a Participating Processor
If you process wild game and would like to join the MSAH network, you can sign up here:
Find a Processor Near You
Hunters who wish to donate their deer can locate participating processors across Michigan here:
Support MSAH With a Financial Contribution
Your donation helps reimburse processors, expand outreach, and ensure more venison reaches families in need.
Give securely online:
Learn More About the Recognition Program
For a detailed explanation of recognition tiers, qualifying contributions, and how the program works, view below: