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About Angel Food Ministries
Angel Food Ministries is a non-profit, non-denominational organization dedicated
to providing grocery 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 thousands of families every
month across 17 states. Angel Food Ministries crosses denominational lines and
has spread the good news of the gospel of Christ through salvation tracts that
are placed in each food order.
New Life Foursquare Church joined hands with Angel Food Ministries in 1999.
Since then, God has used this dynamic ministry to impact the lives of over one
thousand families. We are honored to have the opportunity to minister not only
to the hearts of our local community members, but their grocery needs as well.
Blessings By The Box
Angel Food's groceries are sold in a quantity that can fit into a medium-sized
box at $25 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 $50. 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 would 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 purchase, and there are no applications to complete or
qualifications to which participants must adhere. Angel Food Ministries, like
most all other retail grocery stores, also participates in the U.S. Food Stamp
program, using the Off-Line Food Stamp Voucher system.
How The Program Works
Food sales and distribution are handled by church host sites. Orders and
payments are collected by the host sites during the first part of each month.
These orders are then turned in to the Angel Food main office in Monroe,
Georgia, on a predetermined date. Several days later, in the same month, the
host site either picks up the food from Angel Food's 160,000 square feet
warehouse to fill the orders on Distribution Day or, because this ministry is
growing nationwide, food is delivered to the host site by a pre-arranged
delivery mode. In most cases, as long as there is a truck headed in the
direction of a community who wants this program and sees its ministry influence,
there are no extra transportation costs. It's both a Bargain and a Blessing
Blessings at Work
Distribution Day is where the rubber meets the road. People are working together
for common goals, they meet new friends or perhaps life-changing conversations
take place. Socio-economic distinctions are forgotten and the church begins to
regain its God-ordained presence as the centerpiece of the community. If the
host site is organized well, it is possible that those picking up food will be
there less than two minutes; while others, the volunteers, can expect a two- to
four-hour time of reward, working with one another and helping others.
Distribution Day then becomes for many the one day in the month when a sense of
fulfillment through service and a life of purpose becomes a reality.
Practically, 6 to 8 workers can handle 250 units of food, but wise pastors and
leaders will encourage other volunteers to be there to experience the joy.
Using the quality food at significant discounts offered on a regular basis is a
real and practical way to say clearly that you care. It also infuses a reminder
of the value that God places on humans everywhere and that they deserve every
opportunity that can be offered them in the name of love and friendship.
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