This year, the project will be held at the Chief Logan Fire Company in Lewistown on Feb. 10-14.

“We would like to thank each person, church and business who has helped support our project here in Mifflin County for the last 49 years,” a news release from Rick Esh, the canning secretary of the Central Pennsylvania World Hunger Association in Belleville says. “With your help this 50th year will be a blessing to God’s people.”

The World Hunger Association in Central Pa. is a non profit association started in 1975“for the sole purpose of canning meat for the worlds hungry,” according to a statement given by Esh.

Organizers expect to can 20,000 pounds of chicken and 20,000 pounds of pork this year, which is an extra 10,000 pounds from last year.

Photo courtesy of WORLD HUNGER ASSOCIATION
Karen Peiffer (left) and Scott Schuler both of Harrisburg, volunteer Monday to can meat for third world countries.

Ten percent of the canned meat will be distributed to local area food banks, shelters, and some of the meals on wheels here in the five-county area.

As a non profit, the Central Pa. World Hunger Association receives no monetary help from the Mennonite Central Committee, everything is paid for by contribution and donations from individuals, businesses, and churches.

This project operates solely on a volunteer basis. Volunteers would assist with canning, labeling, sealing, boxing, and loading the meats.

Volunteers are scheduled to work during the four days slated for canning, and will be fed by food donated and prepared by churches, businesses, and individuals.

Individuals interested in participating may contact Jesse Diem at (717) 348-9577, Sylvanus Peachey at (717) 935-2511 or Jonathan Coldren at (717) 250-6840 to be put on a schedule .

Churches and businesses able to supply food or snacks to feed the workers can contact Laura Litwiller at (717) 543-3419, Elizabeth Peachey at (717) 935-7443, or Sylvia Diem through text at (717) 543-8784.

“We have about ¼ of the monies needed to complete our project,” shared Esh. “This year there is a far greater need for this meat, both locally and worldwide. Please take this opportunity to help in God’s work to feed the needy.”

Donations can also be sent to: Central Pennsylvania World Hunger Association, P.O. Box 76, Belleville, Pa. 17004.