Union County Deer Management Program Donates 672 Pounds of Venison to Local Food Bank

The Union County Board of County Commissioners announced today that 672 pounds of processed venison harvested through its Deer Management Program has been donated to the Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ) in Hillside. The venison will be distributed to food pantries and community partners that help feed families experiencing food insecurity across Union County.

"Every family deserves access to nutritious, high-quality food. This donation reflects our commitment to caring for our community and ensuring that no one is left behind," said Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes Leon. "We are grateful to the Community FoodBank of New Jersey for their partnership and proud that this program supports our residents while preserving the natural spaces that make Union County such a special place to live."

This donation supports CFBNJ's mission to provide nutritious food throughout the region while also advancing the County's efforts to protect public safety, promote healthy forests, and maintain balanced wildlife populations in its park system. The Deer Management Program is administered by the Department of Engineering, Public Works & Facilities Management and utilizes trained, licensed volunteer archery hunters to safely and responsibly reduce and stabilize deer populations in designated County and municipal park properties.

Over time, an overpopulation of white-tailed deer can damage native vegetation, prevent forest regeneration, increase roadway collisions, and reduce the overall ecological health of natural lands. The County's program is designed to maintain deer populations at sustainable levels recommended by forest ecologists, while ensuring public safety and environmental balance.

"This program is grounded in responsible management and long-term planning," said Edward T. Oatman, Union County Manager. "By managing deer populations responsibly, we are protecting our forests, reducing vehicle collisions, and helping prevent the spread of tick-borne illnesses. At the same time, we are providing a healthy, locally sourced food supply to families in need through our partnership with the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. It's a thoughtful approach to stewardship and community care."

All venison donated through the program is processed at a USDA-certified facility, ensuring safety and quality. In recent seasons, the Deer Management Program has donated several thousand pounds of venison to CFBNJ - providing tens of thousands of meals to residents.

The Community FoodBank of New Jersey, headquartered in Hillside, serves more than 800,000 New Jersey residents each year through food distribution, support programs, and partnerships with local food pantries, shelters, and community organizations. To learn more or support their work, visit: www.cfbnj.org.

For more information about the Union County Deer Management Program, including site locations and environmental impact details, visit https://ucnj.org/engineering-public-works-facilities-management/deer-management/.