Lead Ban Chronicles – States’ Food Pantries React to Lead Fragment Scare
Since last year’s “revelatory” discovery that lead fragments “contaminate” hunter-killed venison, several states have begun taking measures to address the fears of consumers and politicians. So far, an all-out lead ban has been avoided, but the panic hasn’t abated. The response of state food banks has been all over the board, though.
North Dakota, where this all started, has just announced that food banks will only accept venison taken by archery… at least for now. This should cut the donations significantly, which is a shame as this meat is an affordable source of protein for many needy families.
In Minnesota, after going around and around, the decision was made to allow venison back into the food bank, but they will only be accepting whole cuts. Ground venison, which has generally shown to have higher concentrations of lead fragments, will not be permitted.
What’s happening in your state? Can you still donate your venison to the local food banks?
Well Phillip,
When I asked myself the question, would I stake the health of my children (who eat my harvested wild game) simply upon my resistance to shoot copper and to continue shooting lead?
My answer came up the same each time, make the change and stop shooting lead!
There is too much evidence pointing to lead as being way too dangerous at any level to keep allowing my children to consume it and all the while I was being informed to cease shooting it.
September 30th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
I haven’t heard anything about Virginia’s Hunters For the Hungry ceasing to accept lead shot deer. In fact, this issue seems to be almost invisible in my part of the country.
October 1st, 2008 at 11:02 am
Thankfully, and as far as I know, we can still donate in Michigan. I hope it stays that way with no limitations.
October 2nd, 2008 at 6:07 pm