Frugal Friday: Angel Food Ministries

Have you ever heard of Angel Food Minstries?

If not, and you would like to supplement or save money on groceries, you need to check it out.

What is it, you ask?

"Angel Food Ministries is a non-profit, non-denominational organization dedicated to providing food relief and financial support to communities throughout the United States. The program began in 1994 with 34 families in Monroe, Georgia (between Atlanta and Athens), and has grown to serve hundreds of thousands of families every month across 35 states.

Angel Food is available in a quantity that can fit into a medium-sized box at $30 per unit. Each month's menu is different than the previous month and consists of both fresh and frozen items with an average retail value of approximately $60. Comparison shopping has been done across the country in various communities using a wide range of retail grocery stores and has resulted in the same food items costing from between $42 and $78.

Generally, one unit of food assists in feeding a family of four for about one week or a single senior citizen for almost a month. The food is all the same high quality one could purchase at a grocery store. There are no second-hand items, no damaged or out-dated goods, no dented cans without labels, no day-old breads and no produce that is almost too ripe.

Also offered are specialty boxes such as steaks, chicken and pork. Many participants in this bonus program appreciate the expanded choices. Additionally, there is no limit to the number of units or bonus foods an individual can receive, and there are no applications to complete or qualifications to which participants must adhere. Angel Food Ministries also participates in the U.S. Food Stamp program, using the Off-Line Food Stamp Voucher system."

-Taken from the Angel Food Ministries Website

Our church has just become a distribution site, beginning in November. For the first month of being active, there have been almost 100 orders taken! As you can see, this is a much needed ministry in this area, as well as in many areas across the nation.

ANYONE can order, no questions asked, no monetary limitations or requirements. The program is not a money maker or fundraiser. Churches or distribution sites only receive $1.00 per order to help with delivery costs and what-not. Our church is agreeing to buy extra food boxes for needy families with that money. Ordering times can vary by location, or you can order online at ANY time - though, there is a $2.00 "convenience fee." But, if you follow Angel Food Ministries on Facebook, they will send out % off online special codes that should take care of that fee for you.

The simple ordering process goes something like this:
1.) Find a pick up location near you.
2.) Take a look at the monthly menu (ordering and delivery is only one time per month - menus change on a monthly basis as well)
3.) Check your local site ordering times and place order (or order online at any time up until deadline) **Remember, all orders are paid up front with cash, check, card (online) or food stamps**
4.) Make note of delivery date & time
5.) Bring a box, bag or cooler for your food and don't be late for delivery. Many places (such as ours) do not have the capability to store frozen/refrigerated food.
6.) Place next months order while you are there to avoid a duplicate trip!

That's it!

Tomorrow will be our first delivery day. In case you are interested, I ordered the Fresh Fruit & Veggie Package. For $22, this is what I will receive:

• 1 stalk California celery
• 3 lbs. New Crop North Carolina sweet potatoes
• 3 lbs. New Crop Idaho potatoes
• 1 head fresh leafy green cabbage
• 1 lb. cello wrapped California carrots
• 3 lbs. tree ripened juice oranges
• 3 lb. bag New Crop Red Delicious apples
• 8 oz. bag New Crop Georgia shelled pecan halves
• 4 Washington State Bosc pears
• 12 oz. 100% pure Sweet Honey Bear
• 2 New Crop Ruby Red grapefruit

Not too bad, eh? I'll let you know how it all goes. Do you participate in the Angel Food program in your area? Let us all know what you think!