franticwoman
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Post by franticwoman on Feb 8, 2011 15:46:28 GMT -5
Greetings all! I'm glad I've found you all.
I've referred a few friends to Angel Food Ministries and they are 'applying' right now. They ask if they should put me down as who referred them. I said I dont know (pros? cons?) I dont use them myself - just know about it from you guys!
If any of you use AngelFood please let me know what you think. It seems to good to be true to my buddies.
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NancysSummerSip
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Post by NancysSummerSip on Feb 8, 2011 16:39:31 GMT -5
It is not too good to be true. I am a food writer, and I did a story about our local chapter. I spent a morning with them, and walked away convinced that it's a helping hand up, not a hand out.
The food isn't free, but it is national brand and quality, and there are a number of different boxes to choose from - seafood, meat, produce, mix and match, special holiday boxes, even boxes for young children and seniors who cannot use a stove.
Stand by and I will send you the story link.
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franticwoman
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Post by franticwoman on Feb 8, 2011 16:51:56 GMT -5
Oh thank you, I'd love to read it.
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NancysSummerSip
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Post by NancysSummerSip on Feb 8, 2011 17:06:52 GMT -5
Just sent. Check your Personal Messages.
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Post by isabella on Feb 8, 2011 17:34:43 GMT -5
Nancyinfl can you post a link to the article or c/p it to the thread? Thanks
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 8, 2011 19:37:11 GMT -5
Greetings all! I'm glad I've found you all. I've referred a few friends to Angel Food Ministries and they are 'applying' right now. They ask if they should put me down as who referred them. I said I dont know (pros? cons?) I dont use them myself - just know about it from you guys! If any of you use AngelFood please let me know what you think. It seems to good to be true to my buddies. I tried them once before... Never again... One the quality of the food isn't what they bost it to be...There is better quality at the Dollar Store. TWO, I don't appreciate being handed religious material! THREE it was way disorganized.
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gawgagranny
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Post by gawgagranny on Feb 8, 2011 21:09:14 GMT -5
Not to offend you, cropchick, but why were you surprised at "being handed religious material" from a Christian-based organization?? I can't attest to the quality or organization skills at the site you received your package from, but I do know that Angel Food Ministries has helped a LOT of people who are in need of a little help making their food budget stretch farther. Opinions are like noses, most people have one.
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Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Feb 8, 2011 22:03:53 GMT -5
I've looked at what's in these boxes and think that for the most part, they are not that good a value for the money. You can do far better using loss leaders and bypassing some of the premade meals for those meals with healthier ingredients. A couple months ago, I took a list of what was in the box to the local Kroger's and bought it. I did substitute ingredients for the loss leaders that were available and bought the ingredients of the premade meals. Total cost was about $2 less.
The only savings I see would be that of time and needing to shop from what's on sale vs someone else just handing your meals for the next month.
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whispering17
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Post by whispering17 on Feb 8, 2011 23:51:09 GMT -5
For a $30.00 fee, you get a large amount of food. My sister, who is disabled ,bought a box every month for about 6 months to stretch her grocery budget. The food was restaurant quality...lots of frozen things from meat to veggies.
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Post by justwhoever on Feb 9, 2011 9:18:37 GMT -5
It must be different in the bigger cities. Here you are lucky to get enough to make 1 meal. And it's only going to be 1 meal if there are 1-2 people in the household. For $25 I will go get my own food. I can spend $25 and get enough stuff to make 3-5 meals. Possibly more.
Maybe here in this small rural area we just have the knock off version of the program.
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kangarooks
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Post by kangarooks on Feb 9, 2011 9:36:28 GMT -5
I live in a smaller town and Angel Food is great here. The quality for the most part is pretty good for the money. The fresh produce and dairy are really good. Several area churches take rotation in handing out the items and they are very well organized. They take orders or you can pay at the door as they do always have extra. (What isn't claimed is donated to the local food bank.) They have all the tables set up in a "U" shape so you take your box, clothes basket, etc. and the volunteers put the items in. It's very efficient and everyone gets their stuff and gets out in a timely, orderly fashion.
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NancysSummerSip
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Post by NancysSummerSip on Feb 9, 2011 9:45:03 GMT -5
www.examiner.com/food-in-west-palm-beach/journey-church-and-angel-food-a-hand-up-not-a-hand-out?render=printThis is the link I gave to the OP. Yes, this is a Christian-based organization. They do provide literature, and most of the distribution sites are in churches. They do not verbally prosletyze, however. The organization was started by two ministers who finished an overseas mission, and wanted to do more. There are a variety of boxes to choose from, and in some areas, customization is allowed. Some of the boxes are very small by design. Some are large. It depends on what you pay for. The provisions are not designed to fill all the needs for an entire family. They are supplemental supplies. Each month's choices are available for ordering the month before they come in, and this can be done on site or on line.
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franticwoman
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Post by franticwoman on Feb 9, 2011 10:53:46 GMT -5
Thank you Nancy for the article - nicely done
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NancysSummerSip
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Post by NancysSummerSip on Feb 9, 2011 11:07:12 GMT -5
Thanks! It was a week before Christmas, and I just did not want to do a typical holiday food story. I wanted to highlight folks who really don't have enough, and the people trying to help. The thing that got me were the teachers from the high school buying for their students.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 9, 2011 16:17:38 GMT -5
Nice article!
Not fond of the food though... not a good value and definitely high in fat/sodium. But, I guess it's better than nothing, if nothing is you're only alternative. I don't know WHY they can't give people healthier food....
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hereigoagain
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Post by hereigoagain on Feb 9, 2011 19:36:43 GMT -5
That's my hometown Nancy! I've mentioned Angel Food to my parents to check out, but they haven't yet. One friend of theirs who is on disability, has been able to use her food stamps/EBT for it. We did it in the past in the south end of the county, but Saturday food pick-ups sometimes interfered with kid's soccer. It's actually a nice atmosphere where we pick up, they usually have donuts and coffee or hot dogs for free during the pick-up. The people are very nice and positive too. If people haven't enjoyed it in the past, I'd say to try again after a few months.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 9, 2011 21:01:10 GMT -5
Nice article! Not fond of the food though... not a good value and definitely high in fat/sodium. But, I guess it's better than nothing, if nothing is you're only alternative. I don't know WHY they can't give people healthier food.... Kinda was my orgional point!
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Frugal Nurse
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Post by Frugal Nurse on Feb 9, 2011 21:29:43 GMT -5
I just read their menus- I'm not impressed. I can do way better than that for the money. I guess a lot of people aren't as careful about their purchases as we couponers are, and it would help them, or it would help someone that doesn't have a way to go from store to store chasing good deals. I do agree that the food looks pretty unhealthy, but it is a start i guess.
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Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Feb 9, 2011 23:22:31 GMT -5
I guess a lot of people aren't as careful about their purchases as we couponers are,
You don't have to coupon to be careful with your money. Since most of what I buy at the grocery store is in the produce section, with dairy and meat following closely behind, these are not items that you usually receive coupons on.
I know that if I take the sales circular to the store, I can buy a lot healthier food for less money. It takes time for you to figure out what to do with the weekly lost leaders, but it really isn't hard.
The box for this month has 3 packages of frozen veggies and a can of tomatoes. No fruit and NOTHING on the menu was fresh. Not only that, 4 items were those that were already made.
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Post by justwhoever on Feb 10, 2011 0:41:29 GMT -5
Here they offer NO fresh produce or diary. It's boxed frozen food. There's nothing "healthy" about it.
I guess it's hit or miss on good or bad. Here it's bad. Not worth it. But if it's great at other places...then I am happy for those people.
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Peace77
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Post by Peace77 on Feb 10, 2011 9:20:18 GMT -5
The food is not the best. I don't do processed food like hamburger helper and avoid pork so it doesn't work for me. They don't generally do fresh food because other than potatoes because fresh food tends to spoils faster. The organization is a bigger problem than the food.Because of the salaries that are paid to the Director and family members, the organization is being investigated by the IRS. blackchristiannews.com/news/2009/02/angel-food-ministries-under-investigation-by-fbi-irs.htmlBecause the director and his family's actions have put the organization's tax exempt status in danger, the family is being sued by its own board members. www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/stories/2009/03/02/angel_food_ministries.htmlIMHO, if an organization truly wants to help the poor, they pay their employees a modest salary and not salaries over $500,000.Then on top the their salaries they also took a loan from the organization for $1.1 million. The millions of dollars they are using for their own benefit, could have been used to either lower the price of the boxes or provide more food.
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NancysSummerSip
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Post by NancysSummerSip on Feb 10, 2011 9:46:03 GMT -5
Hereigoagain, someone else can pick up your box; it does not have to be you. Also, the north county location will make other arrangements for pickup, if you ask them to.
Just for the record, so no one thinks I am ignoring Peace77's post, I am aware of what was posted and what has been written. My story, and others like it, are not focusing on the politics of the organization. When you're hungry, politics becomes a back-seat issue. The story centered around the availablility of food assistance in time of need, so that an individual or family going without doesn't have to.
Having said that, I also want to state that I neither support nor condemn the organization as it deals with the current issues. I support the idea of food being available to fill a need, regardless of the source. I support the idea of people volunteering their Saturday mornings to do this kind of work.
For the record, I am not a church-going Christian, so if you were thinking I was looking at this from that angle, think again. Hunger understands neither politics nor religion.
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Frugal Nurse
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Post by Frugal Nurse on Feb 10, 2011 10:02:53 GMT -5
I guess a lot of people aren't as careful about their purchases as we couponers are,You don't have to coupon to be careful with your money. Since most of what I buy at the grocery store is in the produce section, with dairy and meat following closely behind, these are not items that you usually receive coupons on. I know that if I take the sales circular to the store, I can buy a lot healthier food for less money. It takes time for you to figure out what to do with the weekly lost leaders, but it really isn't hard. The box for this month has 3 packages of frozen veggies and a can of tomatoes. No fruit and NOTHING on the menu was fresh. Not only that, 4 items were those that were already made. I didn't say you had to coupon to be careful with your money, but if you're truly broke enough to need assistance like angel food ministries, then couponing would be a good idea. I too eat mostly fresh foods (I'm a picky-eater vegetarian). I try to buy only organic produce, and usually only what's on sale. That being said, there are coupons for fresh produce. Meijer usually has produce Q's, as does Kroger (I just got one in the mail yesterday- save $5 when you buy $15 worth of fresh produce, and another that is $.40 off private selection produce). I just got 2 single-serve organic milks for free with Q's, eggland's best eggs for less than the store brand, Simply orange juice for $2.00 instead of the usually $3.50. I do buy some prepared stuff, like whole-wheat pasta (it isn't practical to make that myself), but can get that free with Q's. I got Hunt's brand canned tomaotoes (for making sauce) for less than $.30/can. I got whole rain brown rice at Rite Aid for $.39 for 2 pounds. 2 weeks ago I got bags of organic whole grain blue corn tortilla chips for $.50/bag. About a month ago there was coupon out for $1.00 off a brand of mini-potatoes, which made them free with a sale. Also, Meijer sends me a Q for $5.00/any purchase about once a month. I use that to stock up on organic produce. I also buy stuff that is close to its sell by date, then put it in those "Debby Meyer's green bags" and make it last a lot longer. So yes, a person who is hungry and has $25.00 could get some great deals on healthy foods combining coupons and sales, probably a better value than the Angel Food, assuming they had transportation (which I know not everyone does). Side note- I get so tired of hearing "you can't buy anything healthy with coupons" Yes you can, you just have to plan your trips and be smart about what you buy, and be able to go to multiple stores.
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Frugal Nurse
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Post by Frugal Nurse on Feb 10, 2011 10:05:39 GMT -5
Nancy- I thought the article was great! I really like that it put a different spin on "holiday meals". It makes you step back and remember how lucky most of us are. Your article did a great job of capturing the do-good, volunteer atmosphere that goes along with such events. Made me want to call the local food bank and donate a few hours!
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NancysSummerSip
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Post by NancysSummerSip on Feb 10, 2011 10:25:06 GMT -5
Thanks, Frugal. I am glad you understood that I was not taking sides in a political/financial issue. I have no problem with someone bringing it up, and I am happy to leave that for another writer to do. Your statement about a different holiday meal was exactly the point I was getting at. Love the idea or hate it, the help is there, and when you or your loved ones are hungry, you will certainly consider it.
There are several other local church-based charities offering food aid in my area, and they also receive their share of flak; their churches are too grandiose, their priests and staff get paid too much, they run private schools that are too fancy, etc. This could be argued to death. No one is forced to make use of the help. And as one recipient of an Angel Food box told me, "It's not just about the food. It's about the human contact. These volunteers ask me how I'm doing, and they actually want to know."
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franticwoman
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Post by franticwoman on Feb 10, 2011 10:36:34 GMT -5
Wow, good discussion. I had no idea the food available would be so varied.
I checked out the box here; seemed pretty ok. The meat would last me two weeks easy. You would definitely have to supplement.
As far as box vs careful shopping: what I've noticed overall on the boards is that food prices/sales vary widely in the US. Here the $31 box seems like a fair deal, esp. because it includes four lbs of meat and a dozen eggs. I'm not a big meat eater but I always assume meat is a bit expensive, no? I know ground beef runs like $4lb around here.
Grocery prices where I live are on the higher side; not as bad as DC or SF but higher. I'm amazed at times how inexpensive food can be elsewhere. (Ex: when I see a dozen eggs are under a dollar. Here under $2 would be cheap). The only sort-of advantage where I live - soooo many stores the competition is fierce - so coupon doubling up 99cents is common and there are always mucho sales of some sort. I like that.
The one thing I do like about the box concept: the whole "This is what you get, make it work." I spend too much money satisfying my tastes and cravings and not so much on fulfilling a basic need. That gets expensive.
If were elderly or out of work I would give the box a try. I guess I could try it now but all the meat doesnt appeal to me much, unless my choices were limited.
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NancysSummerSip
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Post by NancysSummerSip on Feb 10, 2011 10:55:27 GMT -5
frantic, I think you make a good point: if there is a lot of grocery store competition, it may make more sense than paying for the food aid. In this part of the country, sadly, we don't have a lot of competition. Albertson's left, Target is horribly overpriced, the SuperWalmarts are not numerous, and it leaves two grocery chains. We don't have Aldi's or any of the lower-to-mid-priced grocery chains. We have Sam's and Costco, but bigger is not always cheaper, in addition to paying the membership fee.
I have featured a number of local produce stands, markets and ethnic stores in my column in an effort to get people to 1) shop the locals and 2) actually get a better variety and pay less for fresh.
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franticwoman
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Post by franticwoman on Feb 10, 2011 11:07:37 GMT -5
Nancy - you cover a lot of good stuff for your readers - they are lucky! That's what is so "weird" sometimes: here, Target is much cheaper overall and they are expanding their grocery offerings. Not a full store yet but I can get maybe 70% done there. Ive been making a point of going there more often even though it is a pain. Ex: their store brank half and half creamer for a quart: $1.64. Elsewhere at the name stores: $2.50+ for the store brand, $2.99 + for name brand. That is a shocking difference to me and I resent paying so much for coffee creamer! Bleh! (but I cant live without it so..... :
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NancysSummerSip
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Post by NancysSummerSip on Feb 10, 2011 11:25:50 GMT -5
See, it's just the opposite here. Target is the most expensive food shopping experience in these parts. I've actually done better in some of the gourment grocery stores than I have shopping at Target. . Full disclosure: I was comparing national brand prices there to national brand prices at other stores. I should do a price comparison/taste comparison of Target to other store brands, and see how they stack up. There's a rumor that Aldi's is expanding here; geez, I hope so. Publix and Winn Dixie need some competition.
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franticwoman
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Post by franticwoman on Feb 10, 2011 12:12:20 GMT -5
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