Program offers food at a discount to anyone
Published: February 25, 2008
Nothing stops the volunteers at Fabion United Methodist Church.
Not even rain, snow or sleet.
Once a month, they distribute food to families at the church, despite any weather condition.
“One month it was pouring down rain the whole time,” said Sid Robbins, the church minister. “We had people lined up outside with umbrellas.”
The church is one of several in the Northland that participate in Angel Food Ministries, a nonprofit program that offers quality food at a reduced price.
Anyone can purchase a box of food worth $60 to $75, for just $30 through the program.
“It gives us a chance to reach out and help people with groceries,” said Judy Fenster, director of Fabion United’s program. “They get a lot of food.”
The program’s a tremendous help for Janet Hasenohr, a retired Gladstone resident who’s on a fixed income.
“It helps me a lot,” she said. “It gets my meat for the whole month.”
Hasenohr is one of the program’s regulars and said she participates each month.
“I don’t know what I’d do without this place,” she said. “It helps people more than you think.”
The program has also been a blessing for Gladstone resident Loretta Lindsay.
She said the program isn’t just about receiving food at a discounted price, it’s also helped her on a spiritual level. She remembered one month when she came in to order her food and she explained why she needed the extra help and the church volunteer took the time to pray with her as well.
“It’s good knowing there are people out there that care,” she said.
Fenster said the church doesn’t use any guidelines to determine who is eligible for the program and simply helps anyone who feels they could use the service.
Those interested in the service sign up for the food items they’d like to have about two weeks before the food distribution date. They can choose from a variety of items such as breaded chicken breasts, salisbury steaks, potatoes, onions, corn, chicken noodle soup and dessert items.
Then, the morning of the distribution, church volunteers pick up the food at a separate site and return to the church.
Volunteers help arrange the food on long tables, so that the recipients can get their food fast.
“They’re out the door in probably one and two minutes,” Fenster said. “It runs really smooth.”
Linda Lafitte said she not only appreciates the program’s speedy service, but she also likes the variety of the food.
“You can really cook meals around what you receive,” said the retired Clay County resident.
She and other recipients who lined up for the program last Saturday said they were thankful for the church’s efforts.
“It’s a wonderful program,” Lafitte said. “In fact, it’s a blessing.”
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