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For a number of years, we have been getting duck and goose meat from a Saskatchewan outfitter to make healthy and natural dehydrated treats for our dogs. Recently, we came to realize that vast amounts of surplus protein were available from this and other Saskatchewan outfitters to help feed those in need. With that in mind, we founded Nature’s Food Bank Inc. Currently, we are in the process of building an organization to achieve our goal of developing a network of certified Saskatchewan outfitters to channel surplus protein to those who need it most. In September 2023, we started a pilot project with just two outfitter partners, Larson Lake Outfitters and Timberlost Outfitting, both from the Spiritwood area. This has resulted in us collecting 1300 pounds/590 kg and donating 725 pounds/329 kg of skinless, boneless breast meat to the Emergency Wellness Centre in Saskatoon, where they feed the unhoused. Now we look to build on this success for next season. So far, 15 outfitters have expressed interest in participating in our program.
Currently, the 152 members of the Saskatchewan Commission of Professional Outfitters rely on foreign hunters for over 80% of their business. These hunters rarely take their harvested birds home with them and outfitters are required to find a home for the meat, but may not sell or barter any part of a migratory bird.
As a result, a large amount of quality protein is available for the cost of collection and distribution. Persons identifying as First Nation make up more than 80% of individuals helped by both the Emergency Wellness Centre and the Saskatoon Food Bank. Many of these individuals are familiar with wild bird meat and are happy to receive it.
We plan to take what we learn from the pilot project this season and use it to develop a certification program and scale up the number of outfitter partners for the 2024 hunting season.
Because of the great amount of protein available (Saskatchewan hunters harvest over 130,000 duck and geese annually) we need to build a distribution system/process, as well as meet Saskatoon Food Bank requirements before they will accept donations from us.
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