meat canning with Mennonite Central Committee

Each year since 1946, Mennonite Central Committee has sent out a mobile meat cannery, which MCC workers and volunteers use to preserve hundreds of thousands of cans of meat for communities in need across the globe.

Managed by a four person canning crew who provides oversight to the canning operation and works alongside local canning committees and volunteers, MCC's Mobile Cannery produces some 1 million pounds of canned beef, chicken, and pork annually.

Faith Church is proud to team with MCC as together we feed people who are hungry, including many recovering from natural disasters. We support this ministry with designated financial giving in the church budget.

We also send a team of volunteers to work for a day in Belleville when the mobile cannery visits, usually in early February.

Faith family member Julie Hassinger recalls a talk she heard from an MCC member about the meat canning project. She recalls that the speaker said, "people in crisis don’t have the means to cook their food... they don’t have their utensils, or kitchens, or fire. They need ready-to-eat food.

... I loved his heart for hands-on mission work. (MCC missionaries don't) ask if disaster victims are Christians or not. They help anyone who needs it.

An old Mennonite woman explained to me that they go in mission to wherever things are bad and say,

'We came to help. Jesus sent us.' "

If you'd like to participate in meat canning with the Faith missions team on February 7, here's what you need to know:

Who: You! and some friends

Where: meeting at Faith Church parking lot and traveling to Chief Logan Fire Company (formally East Derry Fire Company), 1800 Glenwood Avenue, Lewistown, PA 17044. Click here for driving directions from Bellefonte.

When: Tuesday, February 7. Meet at Faith Church front parking lot no later than 6:45 AM for departure at 7 AM. Canning session starts at 8 AM and finishes at noon. Ride sharing is possible depending on who's willing to drive; you can drive yourself as well if you choose.

What: Chopping meat and processing meat for canning. (This year we'll be working on some 30,000 pounds of chicken!) We'll be working in a firehouse and it can be a little cold (for food safety). Wear warm layers and bring a pair of light gloves; latex gloves and a light coat will be provided to put over your clothes.

How: You'll be working in a large room standing at tables. Normally, 30-40 people will be cutting up meat at all times; sharp knives will be provided for you to use. You can take a break anytime you feel it's necessary.

You may need to wear a mask, so bring one with you. The fire company sells food and coffee during the meat canning session.

Why: To feed the hungry, to love God and to be like Jesus.

Need additional details? Contact Roger Schwartz at roger.schwartz@bellefonntefaith.com or the church office at 814.355.3358.

All meat for canning is purchased with donated funds. If you'd like to send a financial contribution to help purchase meat for the 2022 canning season, please mail it to Central PA World Hunger Association, PO Box 76, Belleville, PA 17004, attention "meat canning".

Additional financial support options are listed below.

If you'd like to be involved in MCC's meat canning ministry beyond February, learn more about those opportunities here.

Faith Church gives financially to the work of Mennonite Central Committee's meat canning project; click here for giving options.

If you'd like to give money directly to MCC's meat canning project, click here.

However you give, you will be helping to provide nutritious food for people in Canada, the U.S. and around the globe.

Click here for a great overview of Mennonite Central Committee's meat canning ministry with stories and pictures from past years.

Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), a worldwide ministry of Anabaptist churches, shares God’s love and compassion for all in the name of Christ by responding to basic human needs and working for peace and justice. MCC envisions communities worldwide in right relationship with God, one another and creation. To learn more about Mennonite Central Committee, click here.