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LEWISTOWN -- The Central Pennsylvania World Hunger Association will conduct its 47th meat canning project from Feb. 1-4 at the Chief Logan Fire Company, in the building that was formerly East Derry Fire Company.
With COVID-19 safety precautions in mind, a new procedure for canning has been implemented this year. That includes not having host families for the canners, larger breaks between canning projects, fewer canning sites, a maximum of four rounds per day (which, unfortunately, results in less meat being canned per day), reducing the number of volunteers on site at any one time to 25 or 30, requiring volunteers to wear masks or face shields and following all mandates from the governor's office.
The meat will also be grinded this year instead of cut, which helps reduce the volunteer workforce that is needed.
But, canning secretary Rick Esh says volunteers are still being sought, even though more planning is needed this year.
"We need to set an accurate schedule for those taking part in the project," Esh said. "If you were planning to be a walk-in, you will need to call and get a time, or we cannot guarantee that you will be able to take part."
Esh also said he realizes some who may otherwise volunteer may not be able to or feel comfortable doing so given the continuing pandemic. But, he said, there are ways to help without participating in the canning itself.
"If you feel that you cannot physically take part in our project due to the COVID-19, you can help by supporting the project financially, as always, and even more this year, we need help," Esh said. "We have close to half the monies needed. This year there is a far greater for this meat, both locally and worldwide. Please take this opportunity to help in God's work to feed the needy."
Esh said financial donations may be sent to: Central Pennsylvania World Hunger Association, P.O. Box 76, Belleville, PA 17004. Esh also said those wishing to receive email updates can provide their email address to Esh.
Those who have groups wishing to participate must contact Jessie Diem at (717) 348-9577, Henry Stoltzfus at (814) 625-2424 or Jonathan Coldren at (717) 250-6840 as soon as possible.