In the heart of Lufkin, Texas, Massingill’s Meat Market has become a quiet hub of generosity. Owner Chris Ward, who runs the shop with his wife Lendy, says the market has been working with the East Texas Food Bank’s Hunters for the Hungry program for six years, turning surplus deer meat into nutritious meals for local families.
How the program works
Hunters who bring in deer they cannot or do not want to keep drop the meat at Massingill’s. “We’ll process it, grind it, make it all into hamburger, and we package it in special packages for the Hunters for the Hungry,” Ward explained. Once the meat is packaged, the East Texas Food Bank picks up the shipments and distributes them to food‑insecure households throughout the region.
Community response
Ward was surprised by the volume of donations. “We’ve seen a steady increase in hunters wanting to help,” he said. The program’s growth, he believes, reflects a broader spirit of caring in East Texas. “When they only want a certain part or aren’t interested in the meat themselves, they can still help a neighbor by bringing it here,” Ward added.
Why it matters
Food insecurity remains a pressing issue in many East Texas communities. By converting otherwise wasted deer meat into a reliable source of protein, the Hunters for the Hungry program eases the burden on families who rely on the food bank. The partnership also supports local hunters, giving them a meaningful way to give back after a successful season.
How to donate
Anyone with deer meat to spare can bring it to any participating location in the Hunters for the Hungry network. The market’s staff will handle processing and packaging, ensuring the meat meets safety standards before it reaches the food bank.
Looking ahead
Ward hopes the program will continue to expand, encouraging more hunters and community members to participate. “It’s a win‑win for the hunters, the market, and the families who need a hot meal,” he said. As the partnership matures, the goal is to make the program a permanent fixture of Lufkin’s charitable landscape, reinforcing the town’s tradition of neighborly support and self‑reliance.
Original reporting: KLTV 7 Tyler (news) — read the source article.
