TAMAQUA, Pa. — Serving up a lucky start to 2024, with a traditional pork and sauerkraut meal, at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tamaqua. People like Tad Yates sitting down for their first meal of the new year around noon on Monday.
"Thought it was nice, they were offering this meal and figured it would be a good way to start the New Year," said Yates.
It was an early start to the new year for the church's culinary chef, Glen Fritzinger.
"I was here at 4 o'clock in the morning, making sure it gets in the oven at 5 and ready for 11," said Fritzinger.
But, the preparation for this pork and sauerkraut dinner starts well before the ball drops.
"So we make our own sauerkraut, and it goes in the barrel before the second week in October. It stays in there for 42 days. It comes out, we jar it, then we bag it, and we cook it. We also make our own homemade applesauce," said Fritzinger.
150 pounds of potatoes are peeled and mashed to go alongside the 85 pounds of pork and 22 gallons of sauerkraut they're serving up.
"It's tradition, and it's delicious. It has to be homemade", said Fritzinger.
Not only are they serving up hundreds of meals in person, they're also sending dozens of meals out the door. Parishioner Bob Jones was busy loading up his vehicle on Monday afternoon.
"People depend on us. When we don't come, they call us and ask, 'Are you people alright?'" said Jones.
Jones, along with other volunteers, will make sure nearly 80 homebound seniors have a home-cooked meal to start the new year. It's not just hot food, but also a friendly face.
"We also bring our dog along, some people give him treats," said Jones.
Keeping with tradition, as the church has for more than a decade.
"We always had pork and sauerkraut on New Year's Day. It's been with me all my life," said Fritzinger.
Starting out 2024 with a little bit of luck.