Angel Food Ministries had a strong turnout for its first pick up at the Polk County Chapter of the American Red Cross in Columbus for both customers and volunteers.
The program almost doubled from the month before. Ilona Taunton (Angel Food Director Redemption Faith Outreach Center – RFC) said she and her team were still able to get people their orders quickly and help them out to their vehicles.
Taunton commented, “I appreciate all the help the community gave in preparing for this pick-up and then making it happen. We were running short on boxes on Friday and someone came by unexpectedly and dropped off two truckloads at the Red Cross from local businesses. Other people stepped in to help pack boxes and carry boxes for others before they picked up their own orders. I am thankful to Red Cross for providing us a new pick-up location that gives us more space. Ashley Meadows has been wonderful these past months and people can still place their orders there.”
The growth in the program has allowed for a number of improvements. Angel Food Ministries is now sending a truck directly to Polk County so there is no longer an intermediate pick-up. Pick-up times at the Red Cross will be earlier. In February, pick-up will be on Saturday the 20th from 10:45 11:30 a.m.
Order times to place an order in person have expanded. In addition to the regular times at the Health Department and DSS, people can order Monday to Friday at Ashley Meadows and Red Cross from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. People can also order on-line with a debit or credit card at FreeToReign.org (look for the Angel Food link) or at AngelFoodMinistries.com.
The Meeting Place in Columbus is also taking orders from Seniors and they are providing an additional pick-up location. Orders this month are due by Tuesday, Feb. 16 at 2 p.m. Menus can be found at order locations and at Thermal Belt Outreach, Scoops and other local businesses and doctors offices. Call 1-888-896-9932 for more information.
Angel Food Ministries is a non-profit that is able to offer people a way to reduce their food budget or to have more money to buy a bigger variety of foods. They offer eight to nine different boxes each month.
It is expected to feed a family of four for about a week. Februarys box includes Top Sirloin Steaks, Boneless Pork Roast, IQF Boneless/Skinless Chicken Breast, Lasagna with Meat Sauce, Fully Cooked Boneless Chicken Drumsticks, Ground Beef, Frozen Lima Beans, Frozen Green Beans, Frozen Broccoli, Rice, Pasta, Pasta Sauce, Fresh Carrots, Large Baking Potatoes, milk, eggs and a dessert.
There are also boxes that contain different types of meats, seafood, allergen free breaded meats, senior/convenience meals and fruits and vegetables. There is no limit on the number of boxes you can purchase and you can pay for your order with cash, debit, credit, EBT (food stamps) or money order. There are no applications or qualifications involved it is open to anyone who wants to save.
Angel Food Ministries plans their menus in advance and then works with vendors to put a quality box of food together. Harry Michaels from Angel Food Ministries commented, “The food we purchase is similar to what you will find in your grocery store. The vendors we work with are the same vendors that work with grocery chains you are familiar with.” The meats packaged for Angel Food are from the US, marked with USDA inspection information and are Choice though last month some Premium cuts were offered as a Special.
Taunton said, “Last month I saw a number of people buy an extra box for a neighbor they knew was having a rough time. We were also able to donate more boxes into the community through agencies in the county. I am always impressed with the care and concern that is shown in this community. I wouldnt want to live anywhere else.”