On January 5, 2009 the Venison Donation Coalition (VDC), Inc. was notified by the office of Secretary of Agriculture Edward Schafer that the VDC was one of four community based organizations from across the United States being recognized for its achievements under the Secretary’s Fight Hunger Initiative. The VDC’s central office is located in Bath, NY with satellite offices across the state. 

In letters of recognition, Secretary Schafer specifically highlighted contributions by community volunteers in Montana and New York as well as 4-H Clubs in Maine and Kentucky. "The biggest barrier keeping Americans from helping their neighbors in need isn’t a lack of desire, but a lack of knowing just how to help. Our Fight Hunger Initiative encourages specific ways to match the great need for support with really great people who want to help" said Schafer. "Noble efforts by these community groups are an inspiration to all of us to lend a helping hand of kindness to a neighbor."

Since its inception in the year 2000, the Venison Donation Coalition has received, processed and distributed more than 600,000 pounds of nutritious, high protein venison with more than 2.4 million meals being served to individuals in need. Working in cooperation with New York’s eight Regional Food Banks, New York’s eight Resource Conservation & Development Councils, the New York Farm Bureau and Sportsmen Organizations, the Coalition follows guidelines established under New York’s Environmental Conservation Law that allow hunters who legally harvest deer to donate venison to the VDC via the more than 120 participating meat processors throughout New York State.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service provide technical support to the VDC. Financial support which pays for the processing of the venison comes from sportsmen groups, individuals, civic organizations, churches as well as private and state grants. The venison is packaged in 1 to 2 pound packages and then distributed through member organizations of the eight Regional Food Banks.