Angel Food program growing monthly

Angel Food program growing monthly
$25 food boxes meet the needs of many

"Serving neighbors one box at a time" is the theme behind the Angel Food ministry - a nationwide program that is being implemented through the Brockport Free Methodist Church to provide quality food at an affordable price.

For $25, individuals receive a box of food consisting of both fresh and frozen items in a variety including chicken, beef, noodle dishes, dessert, pancake mix, vegetables, pizza and lasagna. The item selections change on a monthly basis. The foods are first quality, and there are no out-of-date items included.

Angel Food Ministries, a non-profit, non-denominational organization, began in 1994 as a small outreach ministry serving a rural community in Georgia. The goal was to help neighbors who needed a hand up in a tough economic time. Today, Angel Food Ministries can be found in over 3,200 communities in 34 states and helps feed over 500,000 families a month.

"The program has grown 600 percent in the last year," Anita Simpson of the Brockport Free Methodist Church said. "Our first month to participate was in August and was done mostly in church. We started outreach for the September program and sold about 100 boxes of food (that includes the 'specials' (that can be purchased in addition to the food box for an additional price) and we want to let more people in the community know about the program."

Simpson said the church accepts cash payments, money orders, certified checks and food stamps. "This is a unique program in that we accept food stamps," she said. "For individuals who purchase the boxes of food, they can see they are receiving much more than $25 worth of food. The program is inexpensive enough that people are finding they can buy a box of food for themselves and for a family member or friend."

Boxes of food can be ordered Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon and 2 to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 10 to 11 a.m. through September 27 and must be picked up between 9:30 and 11 a.m. on October 13. "Any food items that are left over will be donated to those in need," Simpson said.

Individuals are urged to bring coolers or boxes to pick up their food and are reminded that because some of the food is frozen, it is imperative to come in a timely fashion to collect it. "Orders for the following month can be made at the time of pick up and the new 'menu items' will be available at pick up time," she said.

Call the church at 637-9785 for information.