The New Hamburg Material Resource warehouse is buzzing with excitement – and power tools – as MCC Ontario's new meat cannery takes shape.
Historically, MCC meat canning in Ontario (as is still the case across the US) was done with the mobile cannery, a unique piece of equipment that engages thousands of volunteers every year. However, due to the increasing logistical challenges of bringing the mobile canner north of the border to Ontario, the idea of building a permanent cannery in the Material Resources warehouse was born.
With the new 8,500-square-foot canning facility, MCC will be able to ship canned meat faster and more efficiently to partners around the world. Today, as more than 700 million people go to bed on empty stomachs, these cans of nutrient-dense meat are carrying messages of compassion to the thousands who will receive life-saving food.
At the construction site, progress is happening quickly. Cannery manager Dylan Yantzi is thrilled to report that almost all the equipment has been ordered, and the exterior walls are nearly finished. “The cannery will be built with a variety of rooms,” says Dylan, including a walk-in cooler to store meat and rooms for each of the steps of sealing, pressure-cooking, labelling and storing the cans of meat. “All of these dedicated spaces ensure that we provide the highest possible safety for the food, the staff and our volunteers.”
"Meat canning is a special opportunity for MCC to connect with the community and increase engagement in our work."
In the past, the mobile meat cannery has produced 45,000 lbs of meat each year during its trips to Ontario but with the increased capacity of a stationary canner, Dylan is aiming for much more impact. “We are hoping to increase production to 90,000 lbs of meat canned per year,” confirms Dylan. “That’s more than 50,000 cans of meat!”
Achieving this goal will depend on the generous continued support from donors and volunteers. “We know that meat canning is a special opportunity for MCC to connect with the community,” reflects MCC Material Resources program coordinator Jon Lebold. “The capacity of this cannery depends on the amount of donations we receive and volunteers who show up - and we know they will.” To can 90,000 lbs of meat, operation costs are estimated to be around $400,000 per year. However, this is only $150,000 more than what it took to operate the mobile cannery for its short two-week stay in Ontario previously.
“We have a wonderful community of donors and volunteers supporting us,” enthuses Jon. “I’m optimistic!”
To support meat canning in Ontario with a financial donation, click here.
