World Hunger Association seeks volunteers, donations for annual meat canning project
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LEWISTOWN -- The Central Pennsylvania World Hunger Association is preparing for its 52nd annual meat canning project, scheduled for Feb. 15-19, 2027, at Chief Logan Fire Company in Lewistown, formerly East Derry Fire Company.
The project brings together volunteers, churches, businesses and community organizations to prepare canned meat for distribution to people facing hunger around the world and in central Pennsylvania.
Over the past 51 years, the association has produced 841,419 cans of meat through the efforts of volunteers and donors.
Last year’s project processed 40,000 pounds of chicken. Organizers have not yet determined how much meat will be canned in 2027, but estimate the total project cost at approximately $94,000, based on a chicken price of about $1.40 per pound.
The project is funded entirely through donations.
Once processed, the canned meat is shipped to areas experiencing food insecurity, including Ethiopia, Ukraine, Haiti and Chad. Up to 10% remains in central Pennsylvania to support local food pantries.
The association works with the Mennonite Central Committee, which provides the canning equipment and assists with distribution. However, the local association receives no funding from MCC and must raise its own money to cover project expenses.
Organizers are seeking volunteers to help can meat and label cans for shipment. Groups interested in participating are encouraged to register as soon as possible to allow organizers to develop an accurate work schedule.
Those interested in volunteering may contact Jesse Diem at (717) 348-9577, coordinator Sylvanus Peachey at (717) 935-2511 or association President Jonathan Coldren at (717) 250-6840. Walk-in volunteers also are welcome.
Donations of food and snacks for workers are needed throughout the five-day event. Individuals, churches and businesses interested in providing refreshments may contact Laura Litwiller at (717) 543-3419, Sylvia Diem at (717) 543-8784, preferably by text, or Elizabeth Peachey at (717) 935-7433.
The association will hold its annual kickoff meal and program at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, at Locust Grove Mennonite Church.
The program will feature a speaker from the Mennonite Central Committee discussing the organization’s mission fields and the destinations where the canned meat is distributed.
Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP to Jesse Diem at (717) 348-9577 or Sylvanus Peachey at (717) 935-2511.
Financial contributions may be mailed to Central Pennsylvania World Hunger Association, P.O. Box 76, Belleville, PA 17004.
For additional information, contact canning secretary Rick Esh at (717) 667-2643 or rickesh@embarqmail.com.