Angel Food Ministries Helps Families Save Money

With the rising cost of fuel and groceries, many people are looking for ways to save money every month. One answer is Angel Food Ministries, an organization that, according to its website (www.angelfoodministries.com), is "non-profit, non-denominational organization dedicated to providing grocery relief to communities throughout the United States." You can find AFM in 32 states across the U.S. AFM does not quality its customers and is available to anyone regardless of income. Orders must be placed in advanced through host sites. In my area, for example, orders are due by the end of one month and then delivered to the host site the second Saturday of the next month. For a list of host sites and dates, visit http://www.angelfoodministries.com/hosts.asp.

How does Angel Food Ministries work exactly? Every month a menu is posted on their website of available food. There is the standard menu which is $25 and includes a variety of meats, vegetables, quick meals, breakfast, dessert, and pantry items. AFM says this menu can cost anywhere from $48 to $72 in the grocery store and will feed a family of four for a week or a single senior citizen for nearly a month. The items are store quality - these are not reject items or expired. Also offered each month is a list of specials that may be purchased in addition to the regular menu. The specials usually range from $17-$19 each and include specialty meats such as steaks, stuffed chicken, pork chops, ribs, etc. You may purchase as many specials as you like as long as you purchase at least one of the regular menus. To view this month's menu and specials visit http://www.angelfoodministries.com/menu.asp. Keep in mind that state grocery taxes will apply.

The quality of the food provided through the Angel Food Ministries program is good to excellent. Their best item I have had so far is the New York strip steaks. They are available most months as a special and well worth the price. I have never gotten anything that was inedible, although some items were really good and some just okay. The advantage of this program is the price and the fact that the items are pre selected which can save time trying to figure out what's for dinner. The other advantage is that there is no obligation to continue the program. If you try it one month and don't like the selection the next month you are not obligated to purchase it. Angel Food Ministries is a wonderful service that has helped thousands of families loosen the tightening belt of grocery costs.