STATEHOUSE (Feb. 15, 2010) - State Sen. Ryan Mishler (R-Bremen) is carrying legislation in the Senate aimed at helping to feed hungry Hoosiers.

House Bill 1064 - which passed the Senate Committee on Natural Resources today by a 7 to 0 vote - provides an opportunity for Hoosier hunters when they purchase or renew hunting licenses to donate funds dedicated to feeding the state’s hungry. Contributions will help pay for processing wild game - also donated by hunters - that will be used to feed Hoosiers who might otherwise go without food.

“Hundreds of thousands of Hoosiers purchase hunting licenses each year, and if each would donate just one dollar, hundreds of struggling people could be fed,” Mishler said.

One deer provides 200 meals, but processing venison into food can cost $70 or more, according to Mishler.

“This is a great way for hunters to help others,” Mishler said. “Hoosiers are going hungry each day, and if we can pull together and provide an outlet for the hunting community to give, I am confident fewer Hoosiers - especially our unemployed and their children - will go hungry.”

Food banks throughout the state, the Indiana Wildlife Federation and Indiana’s Deer Hunters Association support HB 1064.

Sen. Mishler represents Senate District 9, which includes portions of Elkhart, Kosciusko, Marshall and St. Joseph counties.