Food scarcity remains a significant challenge for Robertson County, Kentucky, which has been designated as a food desert. A food desert is an area where residents have limited access to affordable, nutritious food, typically due to the lack of grocery stores, farmers' markets, and other healthy food providers. In Robertson County, many residents, particularly in rural areas, are forced to rely on convenience stores or fast-food outlets, which often provide highly processed foods that lack essential nutrients. This leads to poor dietary habits and, in turn, contributes to high rates of chronic health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

As one of the most rural counties in Kentucky, Robertson County faces challenges in addressing the gap between food availability and food needs. With a large portion of the population experiencing food insecurity and poor health, the Robertson County Venison Donation Program was developed to provide healthier, sustainable food options. The primary objective of this program is to offer venison, a lean and nutritious meat, to local families who might not otherwise have access to such an important protein source. The program targets low-income households, senior citizens, and underserved communities throughout the county.

Through partnerships with local hunters, processors, and community organizations, the program works to ensure that the residents of Robertson County not only receive food but also have access to education on how to prepare venison in a healthy way. This holistic approach aims to fight food scarcity while addressing the broader health concerns affecting the county.

Program Description

The Robertson County Venison Donation Program stands out for its innovative approach to providing healthy food options in an area with limited access to nutritious resources. Venison is an ideal alternative to traditional meats such as beef and pork because it is naturally leaner, lower in fat, and contains fewer calories. This is particularly important in Robertson County, where 41.5% of adults are obese, a percentage that is higher than both the national (37.4%) and state (38.8%) averages. With venison being rich in protein, iron, and essential vitamins such as B12, it offers a heart-healthy and nutrient-dense option that supports overall well-being.

In addition to its nutritional benefits, venison provides an excellent source of lean protein—an essential building block for muscle maintenance, immune function, and overall health. Venison is also rich in zinc, which is important for immune system health, and vitamin B12, which helps with nerve function and the production of red blood cells. Given the elevated levels of diabetes (11.2%) and poor health status (23.1%) in Robertson County, venison serves as a much-needed healthier alternative to more processed meat options like ground beef, which is often higher in saturated fat and cholesterol.

Furthermore, the Food Environment Index Score for Robertson County is 0.00%, which is significantly lower than both the national (16.25%) and state (16.01%) averages, indicating a critical lack of access to healthy food options. Venison, being a wild game meat that is locally sourced and low in cost, fills a unique gap in the food environment. In the 2023 program, 36 deer were donated, resulting in 1,000 pounds of ground venison being distributed across the county to families in need.

The 2025 Cook Wild Kentucky Calendar was introduced as part of the program to provide families with guidance on preparing venison. This calendar includes six easy-to-follow recipes such as Game-Stuffed Peppers, Sportsman's Stew, and Venison Cabbage Rolls, which are simple, healthy meals that can be cooked at home. With the calendar in hand, participants have the tools to incorporate venison into their meals in a way that benefits their health.

Program Impact

The Robertson County Venison Donation Program has had a profound impact on the community, reaching over 100 families, or approximately 13% of households in the county. By offering high-quality venison, the program has not only alleviated food insecurity but also provided families with a healthier meat alternative, improving their overall nutrition. The collaboration with the Robertson County Senior Citizens' Center was especially impactful for the elderly population, with the center distributing venison to residents over the age of 60 as part of its Aging Services program. This program ensures that seniors receive healthy meal deliveries, with venison being a nutritious addition to their meals.

In addition to the Senior Citizens' Center, the Robertson County Family Resource Center played an essential role in reaching families facing food insecurity, ensuring the venison was distributed to those who needed it most. What stood out from the community feedback was the excitement not only about receiving venison but also about the opportunity to learn new recipes through the Cook Wild Kentucky Calendar. Families expressed immense gratitude for receiving the calendar, as it gave them clear, simple instructions on how to prepare venison in ways that were both healthy and tasty.

For many families, learning how to cook venison was a new experience. As one participant shared, "I never knew venison could be so delicious. The recipes were easy to follow, and my family really enjoyed the meals. We're trying to eat healthier, and this is a perfect way to do it." The combination of venison as a healthy food source and the educational component of the calendar was seen as a key success factor. People weren’t just receiving food—they were learning how to prepare it in a way that would improve their long-term health.

Plan for Expansion

Looking ahead, the Robertson County Venison Donation Program has ambitious plans to expand its impact in the coming year. One key component of this expansion will be preparing venison dishes in advance and offering tasting samples during local community food distribution events. These events include the God’s Pantry Food Drives and the Methodist Church Food Giveaway, where the program plans to introduce venison to even more members of the community who may be unfamiliar with the meat or hesitant to try it.

Sampling prepared venison dishes at these events will allow people to taste the food first-hand and gain a better understanding of how it can be prepared in a healthy and appetizing way. This could help overcome any initial reluctance and encourage more families to try venison as a healthy, free protein source. Additionally, by providing ready-to-eat samples, the program will showcase how easy it is to cook venison at home and integrate it into everyday meals.

The program also plans to increase the deer harvest goal to 50 deer for the 2025 season. This will allow the program to reach more families, especially as the demand for healthy food options continues to grow in the community. With more deer donations, more venison will be distributed, and more families will have the opportunity to experience the health benefits of this lean meat.

In addition to expanding the venison harvest and sampling efforts, the program will continue to educate the community about the importance of healthy eating and provide resources to help families prepare nutritious meals at home. By combining venison donations with hands-on cooking education, the program will empower residents to take control of their health and create a more sustainable, healthy food environment in Robertson County.

Conclusion

The Robertson County Venison Donation Program has proven to be a transformative initiative in addressing food insecurity and promoting healthier eating habits in a food desert. By providing venison, a nutritious and lean meat alternative, alongside educational resources like the Cook Wild Kentucky Calendar, the program has successfully met the immediate food needs of over 100 families while also fostering long-term health improvements.

With plans for expansion and a continued focus on education and community engagement, the program is poised to reach even more residents in 2025, making venison a viable and healthy option for families in need. By working together with local organizations and community partners, the program is helping create a more resilient and healthier Robertson County, one meal at a time.