POMEROY — “Ditch the workout, join the party.”

That’s the message from the three certified Zumba instructors, Paulette Harrison, Jeannie Owen, and Devan Soulsby, who offer instruction in Zumba fitness and toning for the price of a contribution of non-perishable food items for the Meigs Cooperative Parish’s food pantry.

This will be the third year for the classes which are held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Mulberry Community Center. The first class following the summer recess will be held on Oct. 2. Added to the fitness program this year is toning to be taught by Harrison who became a certified instructor this summer.

Harrison described toning as a program where there is a concentration on muscle groups. She said 2 1/2 pound weights are usually used in the process. Toning is a whole other thing, much different from the fitness fast dance-type routine, and works better for older people, she said.

No registration is required to attend Zumba, admission is non-perishable food items, and all ages are invited to come to the classes where while helping yourself, you help the community. She said that last year sometimes a hundred or more cans of food would come in for the food pantry which this year is experiencing less food on the shelves to fill an increasing need from residents.

“Feed the flock of God, care for it willingly,” - 1 Peter 5:2 is the slogan of Pomeroy’s Zumba group.