Angel Food Ministries
Angel Food's groceries fit into a medium-sized box at $25. 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. This is a great value for our clients.
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 Angel Food works
Orders and payments are collected by PERC 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, PERC will receive the boxes.
It's both a Bargain and a Blessing!
Sample Menu
1 package chicken nuggets
4 8-oz hamburger steaks
4 6-oz pork chops
1.5 lb. thick bacon
1 dozen eggs
2-lb bag of frozen French fries
5 bagels
2-lb bag of onions
4 Delicious Apples
5 Bananas
1 Gourmet Pie
Blessings at Work
There are two main administrative issues that PERC will need to address. First is the order-taking process. Once the program is underway, PERC, which has a vision for helping our community, is lucky to have Stacy Fleming, whose job is to process the orders. These orders will be taken at PERC. Typically, this takes one to two days per month and includes orders taken by phone, submitted by mail, by email, by fax, in person or through envelopes or order forms used for that purpose. Stacy Fleming and her volunteers will process simple paperwork, which will include a form, cash, checks and food stamps. One check for the total order from the PERC, plus any food stamps, is sent to Angel Food Ministries. This order from PERC is due on a predetermined Monday of a given month. The second administrative matter, Distribution Day, includes the presence of church and community volunteers who come together to perform duties ranging from setting up and filling boxes and containers to clean up or assisting disabled or elderly customers with carrying their containers to their cars. Most host sites do not deliver to their community; customers are urged to pick up their food at the host site location, bringing their own boxes or baskets to be filled, however, Faith In Action PERC will deliver boxes to frail elderly or infirm clients by prior arrangement.
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.
Because the Greater Piedmont Area participates in Angel Food Ministries, we will all benefit in many ways:
- Gives church members hands-on experience and training with rewarding service to others.
- Provides discounted food not only for those that need it, but for any others who appreciate deep discounts on quality groceries.
- Gives churches and PERC an effective outreach to the community to meet real needs in a genuine way -- often times drawing new participants and visitors into our mission.
Getting the Word Out
To get the word out to your church and our community -- just tell them. How? Word of mouth, door hangers and brochure literature, letting, people know about this website, advertisements in local newspapers, press releases or by giving a unit of food as a gift.
It is also possible that we may be able to join hands with our local corporations who may be interested in holiday endeavors to distribute food. Your church's enthusiastic volunteers, a generous corporation's funding and the capacity of Angel Food Ministries can be used to touch expanded portions of the community and deliver quality groceries to those who would appreciate it the most during the various holidays seasons throughout the year. If you know of a corporation who may be willing to help us with our goals, please contact Program Director, Jed Daughtry at (864) 906-7350.
