MONTROSE, Pa. — For decades, Jeff Scavazzo has helped feed hunters across Susquehanna County. But after hearing about a local veteran's struggle to fill his family's freezer, he found a new mission to help feed veterans.
"Only says our paycheck just doesn't go very far. And I said, 'I see you're looking for me'. He says, 'Do you guys like deer meat?' He goes, 'Oh, we love it,' said Jeff Scavazzo, Jeff Scavazzo's Deer Processing. "What could I do to help our local vets? And then I'm thinking Venison for Vets, Mission Venison for Vets."
Since starting "Mission" Venison for Vets in February, Scavazzo has offered hunters the chance to donate several pounds of venison meat that he packages.
"About 25 to 30 pounds of deer meat," described Scavazzo.
Scavazzo then works with local veteran organizations, who get the meat into the freezers of those who need help.
"Great response last weekend. We collected over 300 pounds of meat from hunters when they picked up their deer last Saturday," recalled Scavazzo.
"This community supports community people and vets. I mean, it doesn't matter if people need something. The community supports them," said Jack Rozanski.
Jack Rozanski of Dimock stopped at Scavazzo's just after noon to drop off his deer. He says the program benefits veterans and hunters alike.
"Well, I think it's a good program because a lot of people like to hunt deer, and some people don't particularly care for venison. So I mean, it's a source for people probably who need it," explained Rozanski.
Scavazzo says "Mission" Venison for Vets will run through hunting season.