Submitted photos David Neier (in red) and his friend Caleb Bridges deliver venison to Harvester Christian Church food pantry.
sprung up about the church’s Backpack Impact Program. In that program, bags of food are delivered to a local school and then dispersed to over 50 students. That got the wheels turning. And soon he put two and two together. What if he donated his deer to help prevent hunger? And maybe others in the area would be willing to do the same. From that spark, Hunt for
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Hunger was launched. The then nine-yearold Neier went door to door to spread awareness and to seek assistance. He went all around town and put multiple fliers up, a grassroots campaign he continues today. Josephville Meat Market has been part of the Hunt for Hunger campaign for multiple years. Wright City Meat & Sausage Company jumped aboard this season.
“You have to take your hat off to the young man,” Gary Kreuger, owner of Wright City Meat & Sausage, said. “He is totally involved and is dedicated to it. All of this (deer) meat comes in at the same time and we rely on someone to get out and get it distributed and David stepped in and has taken care of it.” After processing, the venison is distributed to several local food pantries in the region. Several of the pantries had never received venison before and were grateful to be able to share it with the families in the community that are struggling. Michelle Smith is with the O’Fallon Salvation Army. Smith said that there have been times when the meat was scarce and Neier arrived just in time. “Having venison is like an extra treat,” Smith said. “Many of them wish there was more. It is a great program and there are so many people who can benefit from it.” Neier is a first baseman for the New Melle Blues and swims year-round with the Parkway Swim Club. But his greatest
