Comments on: Some Thoughts on Angel Food Ministries

By: Phyllis

Phyllis — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 17:21:22 +0000

I found the lady who is on dialysis that I mentioned above. We will be swapping at least some food every month so she has enough protein and fewer processed foods. Thank you, Jesus.

By: Sharon Scott

Sharon Scott — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 20:31:25 +0000

The great thing about Angel Food is EVERYONE can benefit, and if you choose to order online make sure you take advantage of a coupon code that can be found at retailmenot.com by entering “angel food” in their search bar. Remember you no longer need to order any main unit to get a special and Thanksgiving Boxes can be ordered through October 28th….I am still reading comments about the Wingos salary so…..Okay let me try again, Angel Food Ministries is a non-profit organization NOT a charity BIG difference….that being said all of the hoopla is well overblown, I am a local hostsite director in PA and have been for over 2 years, the Wingos went without salaries for many years and used their own money loaned to the organization so the 2006 Salary was compensation to repay a lot of that back. If you go back and check the financials in 2007 and 2008 they are comprable to other multi-million dollar NON-Profit orgaization salaries

By: Phyllis

Phyllis — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:16:40 +0000

We aren’t food snobs and don’t envy wealth so I don’t care what the Wingo family makes. The director in this city of the YMCA makes over 1/4 million a year and has hired his wife and his son, and his son-in-law.

About 8 months ago my sister started getting Angel Food for her son (unemployed); 6 months ago started getting one for herself; 5 months ago I got a box for myself and one for my son (also unemployed). There has never been one speck of food that has gone to waste. We have no complaints. The meat is great. I have never found any food that was of lesser quality than what I was buying at Aldi or Walmart.

Every month my sister and I find things in the boxes that we’ve never had before (she also gets a fruit/veggie box). It stretches not only our budgets but stretches our minds in finding recipes using those things, making us step out of our food “comfort zone” and learning to enjoy new tastes. I’ve hated lima beans since I was 4 years old; we got lima beans in Angel Food in September. I went to the Internet and found a recipe from the Soup Nazi restaurant in New York for lima bean soup. I added 2 c. chicken for a more hearty soup and it is absolutely delicious! I did give my son the sweet potatoes we got one month because he likes them. I have never, ever thrown any food away from the Angel Food boxes.

I check the sales flyers before I pick up my Angel Food, and every month, without fail, the food would have cost me between $57-$72. I’m happy to pay $30 for that much food.

I take 2 laundry baskets with me, put them on a kitchen cart, and go along the tables set up with food. The volunteers behind those tables hand me the food or put it into the baskets, I say “thank you”, say “yes” to the person who comes up to me and asks me if I’d like someone to carry it to the car for me, and I’m out of there in a total of 20 minutes. If I’m there longer it’s because I’ve gone early to talk to folks.

I’m one of those people who doesn’t “need” to buy Angel Food, but every dime I save on my own food means I have more money I can spend to help others. At our distribution church if someone doesn’t pick up their food it goes to a food bank where people get it for free. The more people who buy Angel Food the better because the more food AFM contracts for, the better pricing they get.

Because I’m a widow this one basic box lasts me for more than a month with the supplement of fresh fruit when in season. Right now the freezer at the top of my refrigerator is so full I will give my box away this month. I met a lady who picked up her AF in September who is on dialysis and is having a hard time financially. I called the church, but no one knew who she was.

Dialysis diets are something I know a lot about, so if I can find her I am going to swap all the protein in my food box (including the steaks), plus some chicken and pork chops in my freezer, for those things in hers that she isn’t supposed to eat.

By the time I get the November delivery, my freezer will be a bit emptier, but maybe I can help her again once in awhile; and that is what community is; helping one another when you can. Had I not been getting AF myself, I’d never have met this lady and maybe wouldn’t have the chance to help her. I’m praying I can find her.

By: Tina

Tina — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:29:13 +0000

I personally don’t use many of the items in the package so I have never order it. but I have known a lady who continue to purchase the basic box without eating everything either.

Interesting about the charity navigator site. Tzuchi is an organization I donate to and it’s a well established international charity started from Taiwan, but it’s not listed on the charity navigator’s site. I wonder what’s the criteria for being listed on the site and what being listed there means.

By: Twins Mom

Twins Mom — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 01:57:33 +0000

I don’t know why some of you are complaining so much about Angel Food. I bought my first box last month and was really impressed with the quality of the food. The veggies were delicious. My dessert wasn’t Twinkes or Little Debbie cakes… it was low-fat fig newtons. There was a very fresh head of lettuce as well as a dozen eggs. The pound of hamburger had NO fat in it.. when I fried it, I didn’t have to pour any grease out of the pan.
I found the quality to be very good and a very good deal for $30… something that you couldn’t buy for at a grocery store. I have a friend that has been using Angel Food for over a year or more now and loves it.
Like another poster said, look at people’s items in their grocery carts and you’ll see far worse in their carts. For families that have to be on a budget, $30 is a god-send for a week’s worth of food.
Maybe some of you have forgotten what it’s like to be hungry.

By: Byron T

Byron T — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 04:05:37 +0000

I just picked up my first box of food from Angel Food Ministries yesterday, and am very grateful for the rib eye steak, lettuce, and egg I cooked for dinner tonight. This was the first meal I have prepared in over a year that didn’t involve a microwave, or boiling water poured over a Cup O’Noodles. I can’t afford to be particular these days about what sustains me. When/if I am more financially secure, I will further investigate the organization, and the nutritional content of the food, etc. In the meantime, I’ll be eating better than I have in a long time, at I price I can just barely afford, and will continue to be grateful for it.
Excellent reporting, by the way. Kudos!

By: GregW

GregW — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 01:05:51 +0000

Hey, I believe there is a huge misconception here. Angel Food Ministries is a non profit, but they are not a donation based charity. There are no donors, fund raisers or requests for handouts. It seems to be a $140 million self perpetuating organization that does good work and doesn’t take anyone’s money.

Please look at that again and check.

By: zan

zan — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 13:32:41 +0000

I started a job last year that pays 30% less than my former job. I’ve made good use of this service, as have my aging parents and single-mom sister. Recently they have added a seafood only option and eliminated the requirement of the basic box. That means you can order just the foods that your family will eat. I sincerely hope that the Wingos have not taken advantage with their salaries as has the United Way in Charlotte NC. This program is a great help to low income people, especially those in rural areas that don’t have competitive groceries or Aldi’s. The quality of the food has been 95% good. sometimes the desserts stink, sometimes they are great. I’m a huge fan of the program and seeing all the friendly volunteers at our local distribution church. They even carry the boxes to our cars for us. I’m not overtly religious, but this time my prayers are with this program.

By: Dee

Dee — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 15:44:39 +0000

If you don’t like the foods from Angel Ministries you are really spoiled. one of the July meat boxes had the most beautiful tasty t-bone steaks that I have ever had…maybe because this is the only way I have been able to afford t-bone steaks when the grocery charges 9.98 – 12.98 per pound. Several of my friends buy the food from Angel and we can hardly wait for the new menues to be posted to see what we get the next month. If there is food listed that we don’t eat, I don’t buy that box but anyone can benefit from the fruit and veggie box – it’s always fresh. I guess it’s possible for some of the distributors to mis-handle the food but not where I go to get mine. Use your head, buy the boxes you would eat. You wouldn’t buy a bag of food at the super market that contained foods you don’t like to eat and then blame the supermarket for selling it to you….and condeming them for making a profit.
As for the salaries of the founders of this system – who cares what they make – they built a better mouse trap. Isn’t that the roots of America.

By: Bull Schuck

Bull Schuck — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 21:19:04 +0000

#63, here’s a bit more detailed, and perhaps salacious account of the settlement this Spring.

http://www.ajc.com/services/content/printedition/2009/03/07/angelfood0307.html

and

http://ydr.inyork.com/ci_11853629

$10 grand a month profit for plane rentals? And for the record, I was looking at using them for our own cupboard but thought that the costs were just too high for what you get.

By: Bethany

Bethany — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 18:39:26 +0000

What I have been impressed with is their allergen-free box. I don’t eat gluten, but I can get chicken nuggets and such for much cheaper than I can buy them at the grocery store. This month they’ve added on some dry mixes as well. If you’re eating GFCF, or anything else free, checking into their allergen-free box might be worth it.

By: Deb K

Deb K — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 19:15:14 +0000

New for August is that you no longer have to buy a ‘Standard’ box to buy one of the specials. Also, in July Angel Food responded to customer input and made changes to the ‘Signature Box’ – adding more fresh ingredients and keeping the processed food to a minimum.

I’ve been buying boxes of Angel Food for over a year now and I, too, noticed an increase in processed food high in salt and fat included in the Signature Box. As a single parent I really don’t mind one pre-cooked meal a week (for that day when I’m just too pooped to cook!), but I skipped at least one month that just had too much. I really love the Fresh Fruit & Veggie box all year round. There have been problems with freezing vegetables, but I never lost more than a few potatoes or onions. I noticed that when I report losses to the AFM site, there is generally a replacement item for me next month.

This host site does have some people who are definiately not in ‘financial’ crisis who Support Angel Food in order to make sure that it is available those in current need of food relief.

AFM is more of a cooperative effort than a Charity – which explains why they would not meet ‘Charitable’ expectations. AFM seeks more the help people help themselves rather than serve as a charitable ‘hand-out’ to the needy.

The Senior Meals have also been re-worked and I’ve heard that they are more tasty than in the past. These meals are created with seniors in mind and so effort is made to keep sodium and fats down – which has the unfortunate effect of less flavor. (Flavorings and spices are easier to add than remove, after all)

I believe that I get more variety with Angel Food than I used to get when I took 2 hours to make a list, clip coupons, travel to the 3 different markets (Aldi’s, Price Chopper, and Walmart) with my pad, pen, and calculator trying the get the most for my money.

By: Hilda

Hilda — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 19:08:18 +0000

I’ve tried AFM food and I thought the selection was fine for the “$30 ” menu. I have always thought that people have options to purchase it or not. I think people shouldn’t get all picky about the menu.And if you can find a better deal & have time time to clip coupons- “POWER TO YOU… And ..If you wish to try a healthier menu on is open to purchasing Organic /healthier products at Farmers Markets & Higher end Markets. Living in California the cost of living is much higher then other states in America. Jobs are being lost left from right.Our state senators have cut out state budget for those in deep need. My options are open for either – Whether shopping at Ma & Pa store, Walmart , Trader Joes or Wild Oats. It’s just depending on what one wants to eat or budget. I think it’s perfect if it’s a single low income family who has lost there job and there is no food on the table. Or those living on fix income- I’m sure they could purchase fresh fruits & veg’s at the market to even out the differences. People should remember that with these economic times one shouldn’t complain or bite the hand that is extending the help… You never know when the tough moment comes knocking at your door and you are left needing assistance.

By: Hilda

Hilda — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 18:57:24 +0000

I’ve tried AFM food and I thought the selection was fine for the $30 a month menu. I have always thought that people have options to purchase it or not. I think people shouldn’t get all picky about the menu.If you wish to try a healthier menu on is open to purchasing Organic /healthier products at Farmers Markets & Higher end Markets. Living in California the cost of living is much higher then other states in America. My options are open for either – Whether shopping at Ma & Pa store, Walmart , Trader Joes or Wild Oats. It’s just depending on what one wants to eat or budget. I think it’s perfect if it’s a single low income family who has lost there job and there is no food on the table. Or those living on fix income due to illness- I’m sure they could purchase fresh fruits & veg’s at the market to even out the differences. People should remember that with these economic times one shouldn’t complain or bite the hand that is extending the help… You never know when the tough moment comes and you are left needed assistance.

By: Em

Em — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 17:43:04 +0000

We have been using this program for about 6 months now. We usually get 2 of the basic boxes for $30each and 2 of the veggie boxes and whatever other special fits our needs.
There are some items we can’t use. I have a pork allergy and we all hate celery. Yet even this is a good thing because it allows us to give to someone else! We have several friends who are unemployed and have similar struggles. So to us, it isn’t waste, it is opportunity.
As far as the non-brand name items go, I have no problem with the quality. Before corporate giants took over the food industry, that was the norm, a lot of small town brands keeping small towns employed.
Sure we get a few items that are not the pinnacle of proper eating. I put a small amount of the above named ‘cereal in question” in a cup as a treat. Sometimes you have to have food that is fun.
One of the nicest things is the time we save and the bonding we share. We have one day a month that we all pile in the car and pick up our orders.(We have a local SHARE program also) We get to meet the nicest people. They are so kind to share the ways they are making it through the rough times. We always seem to hear about something fun and free or inexpensive to do in the coming days. It is like Christmas for the boys as they unpack and put away everything….and when they find we get a baby watermelon….well that is an event. This is not at all the way it used to be when we shopped at the store. Anyone with children can tell you the pitfalls of grocery stores……..and when pinching pennies, keeping all of the non-essentials out of the eyes of the children is a great thing!
We have tried a lot of new foods too. Chayote squash was a hit. The Angel Foods magazine and flyer has recipes that use the foods found in the basic box and the other specials too. This helps when I sit down and write out a menu for the month. Another good habit I have learned! I take about an hour to set up the menu so each night I can make sure I have things thawed for the next day. I still have to get a few items at the store to round things out, but that is a quick trip with a list and I am out in no time and on budget.
All in all, it is what you make it. After all, is it the food you remember or the companionship? I may have what some deem lesser quality food on the table, but I have more time and BETTER times with my family now than I did before. The corn dogs we had on ‘Carnival Supper Night’ were a hit and almost as much fun as going to the local festival for one! The new friends and connections are priceless. Seeing how happy the volunteers are to make this one need in our life just a bit easier to come by…….well that is enough said. I have learned some real lessons in life while living on less and I wouldn’t trade them for anything. Much love…..to ALL

By: Bonnie Ares Royster

Bonnie Ares Royster — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 21:01:45 +0000

Our charity raises funds to pay for AFM food for low-income seniors who don’t have $30 a month to spare for extravagant things like meat on a regular basis. And, AFM is an option that has worked out better than supplying donated canned meat–high in sodium and short on variety–for these disadvantaged seniors. All things are seen from one’s own perspective. Those who really understand the value of receiving AFM food can’t afford computers or Internet service to respond to many objections on this site.

By: Sheila Tandrian

Sheila Tandrian — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:27:03 +0000

I’m just interested in finding information of what this program is about. I’m a single Mother worjing two jobs and barley making it. Thankyou!

By: Steve

Steve — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:00:00 +0000

We are a non-religious organization (library) that became a host site for AFM several months ago. In that time period, we have steadily increased the number of boxes sold to the public. and many are repeat customers. (In addition, the number of host sites in our city has also grown.) We have never had the problems of food spoilage that many of you are claiming. Granted, the food quality is average in terms of fat. But who are you people trying to kid? It’s no worse than what the average American puts in their shopping cart every day. If you don’t agree with that, then ask yourself why obesity is epidemic in this country? The fact is, if you are having a tough time feeding your family, plain and simple, it’s a good deal.

After researching AFM’s troubles, it seems to me that the two members of the Board are trying to do the right thing by contacting the FBI. It doesn’t make the organization bad. I wonder how many of you feel the need to trash AFM just because it’s a Christian organization? And to the women who didn’t like the Christian literature put in her box, tough. Don’t read it. Nobody is forcing you to. It’s AFM’s job to spread what they believe in while they try to help those that need it. I get the feeling that you’re one of those types that want charity when and how you want it with no strings attached. Grow up. Life doesn’t work like that. You should be happy somebody is trying to help.

By: Ashley

Ashley — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:41:19 +0000

Thank you Brian! (comment #74)

I too find it ridiculous that people are complaining about the quality. I go without food a lot of the time, eating one meal a day. I have yet to buy from AFM but I am going to give it a try.

By: Brian

Brian — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 04:22:11 +0000

What reason at all do you have for trying to bash an organization that allows low-income families to receive food at a discounted price? They are providing a commendable service to people. Of course it’s not top-quality, organic food. Some of the quality comments are ridiculous. Are all of you really that out of touch with reality of what a lot of American families go through when trying to feed their families. It’s the same type of food that MILLIONS of people purchase at their local Wal-Mart everyday of the week at a discount. End of story. The food is decent, the price is definitely fair and this is a nice program to help families, especially at a time like this when many people are losing their jobs. Please, use your common sense.