Centennial High School Wins Tennessee Wildlife Federation’s Hunger Challenge

Hunger Challenge

Centennial High School students raised money, donated deer and volunteered to support statewide Hunters for the Hungry program

Tennessee Wildlife Federation, an independent nonprofit that is one of the largest and oldest dedicated to the conservation of Tennessee’s wildlife and natural resources, announced that Centennial High School is the regional winner of Hunger Challenge.

Hunger Challenge is a portion of the Federation’s Hunters for the Hungry program, which connects food banks and soup kitchens with caring deer hunters. Tennessee Wildlife Federation provides funding to wild game processors across the state who then receive donated venison from hunters, process the meat free or at a reduced rate, and make it available to local food assistance programs. Since its establishment in 1998, more than 5 million meals worth of food have been donated.

Hunger Challenge was launched in 2013 to provide a way for youth to participate in this effort. The point-based competition among high school clubs not only raises critical funds to help feed hungry families, but also serves as an educational experience for students. By participating, students gain important skills in leadership, club-building, humanitarianism and philanthropy.

Centennial High School earned the most points in its region. Students contributed 300 pounds of venison and volunteered for a collective 143 hours—the most of all of the regional winners.

David LeCates, a Centennial High junior, received two individual recognitions: the Top Harvester Award for securing the most deer donations in the region and the Top Gun Award for raising the most money of any student in the region.

“The Hunger Challenge is a great way to get youth engaged with their community and the outdoors. It’s tangible and close to home so they can see the results of their work,” said Dr. John O. “Jack” Gayden, chairman emeritus of the Tennessee Wildlife Federation board of directors. “In many cases, it’s opening students’ eyes to the fact that they walk the halls with others who may not have enough to eat.”

Other regional winners are Clarkrange High School in Fentress County and Jefferson County High School. Memphis University School took its region’s title and earned the top rank statewide.

“Tennessee Wildlife Federation works to keep people of all ages engaged in the outdoors,” said Matt Simcox, Hunters for the Hungry and Youth Hunting & Fishing Manager. “By conserving wildlife and habitats, we’re also protecting a means to feed hungry people.”

Hunger challenge begins again in April and schools interested in participating can visit tnwf.org for more information.

About Tennessee Wildlife Federation
Since 1946, the Tennessee Wildlife Federation leads the conservation, sound management and wise use of Tennessee’s great outdoors. Over the course of 70 years, the Federation has led the development of the state’s wildlife policy, advanced landmark legislation on air and water quality and other conservation initiatives, helped restore numerous species, and introduced thousands of kids to the great outdoors. To learn more, visit tnwf.org.