MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- The state's deer meat donation program is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

Under the Department of Natural Resources' Venison Donation Program, hunters drop off deer at participating meat processors. Volunteers then distribute the meat to food pantries.

The DNR says the program has distributed more than 3.1 million pounds of venison from nearly 70,000 deer over the last decade.

This year, 131 processors are participating in the program. The DNR says donations are more important than ever for hungry families struggling with high grocery bills. Hunters who drop off a deer this year will get a sticker identifying them as a deer donor.

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