Belleville canning drive celebrates 50 years
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BELLEVILLE -- Having access to basic necessities like food and water is a luxury many take for granted.
When the founders of the Central Pennsylvania World Hunger Association were on international mission trips, they saw this first hand.
These mission trips inspired them to help those less fortunate, thus beginning an annual meat canning drive, which benefits the Mennonite Central Committee.
Fifty years later, the Association continues to serve the public.
Members expect to can 30,000 pounds of chicken and possibly pork on canning days this year. Canning days are Feb. 5-8 at Chief Logan Fire Company.
"I never dreamed it would be going this long. It is a great opportunity to serve the community and the lord," Jesse Diem, Hunger Association president said of reaching a 50-year milestone.
"It is a great accomplishment, with 10% going to our community. Over 2,000 cans just last year were kept locally, and that varies from year to year," said Jonathan Coldren, canning coordinator. Coldren has volunteered with the Association for 14 years.
Locally, the meat canning benefits organizations like Mother Hubbard's Cupboard, Juniata County Meals on Wheels, the Huntingdon Food Bank and Centre Hall Food Bank.
Rick Esh, who has worked with the Hunger Association for 20 years, said he is glad to be able to support the project.
"It's a chance for people to go and support the community and feel good about themselves," he said.
When the program was founded during World War I, missionaries traveling overseas "could see how much (other communities) needed meat," Esh said. "These folks would be hungry from sun up to sun down."
The drive has evolved over the years, and the Mennonite Central Committee became involved.
This Association utilizes the Committee's canner to process the meat, which is then distributed to third-world countries.
Esh said the Mennonite Central Committee travels across the United States to work with other organizations like the Central Pennsylvania World Hunger Association.
They also load the trucks after processing and canning the meat. Trucks then transport the meat to the warehouse where workers unpack and check the product before shipping, Esh said.
Individuals interested in participating may contact Diem at (717) 348-9577, Sylvanus Peachey at (717) 935-2511 or Coldren at (717) 250-684.
The program is funded solely through donations. Contributions are tax deductible.
Churches and businesses able to supply food or snacks to feed the workers can contact Laura Litwiller at (717) 543-3419, Sylvia Diem at (717) 543-8784 or Elizabeth Peachey at (717) 935-7443.
Donations can also be sent to: Central Pennsylvania World Hunger Association, P.O. Box 76, Belleville, Pa. 17004.