Ohio Inmates Process Donated Deer Meat to Combat Hunger and Gain Job Skills
By Nexio News
A groundbreaking program in Ohio is tackling multiple challenges at once—food insecurity, deer population management, and prisoner rehabilitation—by turning hunted deer into nutritious meals for families in need.
The initiative, a partnership between the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife and the Pickaway Correctional Institution, allows inmates to process donated deer meat, which is then distributed to food banks across the state.
From Prison to Purpose
Inside the prison’s meat processing facility, inmates work diligently, transforming deer carcasses into ground venison. For many, the job offers more than just a paycheck—it provides dignity, skills, and hope for life after incarceration.
Norman Jones, an inmate who has served 28 years, says the work helps him stay focused. “It’s like a job on the street. You can almost forget you’re in prison,” he shared. Jones earns between $150 and $175 a month, which he mostly spends on extra food to supplement prison meals.
Adam Blevins, another participant, sees the program as career preparation. “I’m HAZP and OSHA certified,” he said. “I’m going to do this when I get out.” For Blevins, the six-hour shifts also offer a mental escape from prison life.
A Win for Hunters and Food Banks
The program solves a common dilemma for hunters: what to do with excess deer meat. Instead of letting it go to waste, hunters can donate their harvests, which are then processed into thousands of pounds of venison for food-insecure families.
Jonathan Sorg from the Division of Wildlife explained, “Protein can be expensive. This provides a low-cost alternative that people really need.” In its first season, the program processed 174 deer, yielding approximately 6,700 pounds of meat for donation.
Expanding the Impact
Luke Sherman, the correctional workshop specialist overseeing the program, trains about 35 inmates in meat processing, deboning, and packaging. He’s seen former participants succeed after release. “They call in saying they’ve gotten jobs in the industry,” Sherman said. “It makes you feel good.”
With plans to expand beyond central Ohio, the program aims to process even more venison in the upcoming hunting season. Officials also note that most meat handled at the facility comes from small farmers, and they’re open to new partnerships.
For inmates like Jones, the work is about more than just a paycheck—it’s about giving back. “It’s fulfilling to know we’re helping the less fortunate,” he said.
— Reported by Nexio News
