On Monday, Todd Starnes of Fox News Radio reported that the Louisiana State Health Department raided Shreveport-Bossier Rescue Mission (a Christian Rescue Mission), destroying 1,600 pounds of donated deer meat, which was donated by Hunters for the Hungry - a group which has been donating meat to shelters since the early 90's.
The Christian rescue mission has the following mission statement on its website:
"The Shreveport-Bossier Rescue Mission exists to pursue the passion of Jesus Christ to lift up the hungry, homeless, abused, and addicted."
To the state health department, apparently, this means little.
“Deer meat is not permitted to be served in a shelter, restaurant or any other public eating establishment in Louisiana. While we applaud the good intentions of the hunters who donated this meat, we must protect the people who eat at the Rescue Mission, and we cannot allow a potentially serious health threat to endanger the public.”
There was zero mention of any specific "serious health threats" associated with the donated deer meat. No explanation was apparently offered.
In fact, Henry Martin, who is the executive director of the mission, added that they have been serving this donated deer meat for years and, apparently, without incident.
"This was really good meat. It’s high in protein and low in cholesterol. It’s very healthy.”
The estimated cost of the meat is $8,000. The amount of meals for the homeless that were lost numbered 3,200.
According to the report, the health department ordered the rescue mission to dump all 1,600 pounds of meat into garbage bins and then douse the deer meat with Clorox so that nobody else, or other animals in the area could eat it.
Though this practice by the rescue mission had been going on for years without any problems, it took a single complaint - reportedly - from one of the people being fed at the rescue mission to stir up the controversy.
Starnes also reported that this rescue mission is responsible for providing 200,000 meals a year without "a single dime of assistance from the state or federal government."
Mr. Martin described this government action as "senseless".
"It seems like this was a senseless act. I don’t think hungry people who come to our mission appreciate the fact they could have been eating some really good venison and as it is now – no one can eat it.”
State Rep. Jeff Thompson - himself an avid hunter and somebody who has donated deer meat to this program is outraged about the incident and is, apparently, working with the heads of state agencies and other lawmakers to "change the rules".
“As a hunter and somebody who has personally donated deer to this program, I’m outraged and very concerned. You hear about these stories anywhere and it’s a concern – but when it happens in your own backyard it’s insulting.”
Thompson then adds:
“We take pride in helping our neighbors and to see thousands of dollars worth of meat that would help the hungry go to waste is absolutely disturbing to me."
On its website, The Shreveport-Bossier Rescue Mission explains:
"Over 4,500 are homeless each year in Northwest Louisiana. The Shreveport-Bossier Rescue Mission provides 172 beds for homeless men, women, and families with children. The Mission sheltered 1,200 men, women and families with children last year, providing 137,898 meals and 45,966 nights of lodging."
The question now is, "When did the government decide that deer meat is a 'potentially serious health threat' and who is responsible for reaching this determination?"
Pork, chicken, and beef don't pose any "potentially serious health threats"?
Albert's Einstein Insight of the Day:
Chairs are meant for sitting - if you can believe it.
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