Church helps to feed families on $30 a week

Published: July 14, 2008 | 7193rd good news item since 2003

The dollar doesn’t stretch as far as it used to. Gas prices are high, food prices are rising, and families say they are feeling the effects.

So, what can one Charlotte church do to make a difference? Community of Christ congregation members will do their part by bringing Angel Food Ministries to Charlotte this month.

The nonprofit program got its start in the early 1990s when a group of families in Georgia decided to team up in an effort to purchase quality food at wholesale prices. Today, the program is run out of various churches in 35 states, with local sites including Potterville and Mason.
Offered to anyone

The monthly food menus can feed a family of four for one week and cost $30. Unlike other outreach programs, Angel Food is offered to anyone, regardless of income.

“We felt this was a community outreach, and that’s what churches are about,” said Donnie Gallimore. “The ability to stretch the food dollar is a hard thing to come by in this economy.”

Vera McDonald and her husband, Harold, congregation members for the past 50 years, are helping to organize the program at their church.

She said she was “shocked” when she learned how much food people can buy for $30. “To get that much for such a little amount is a surprise,” she said.

The Rev. Debora Crowley said Angel Food secures “restaurant quality” items, including meat, eggs, fruit and vegetables. She said the congregation’s new location on Lovett Street is perfect for the distribution of food.

“Since we’ve moved in here, we’ve anticipated that God will open doors for community outreach, and He has,” Crowley said. “This is the perfect location for this.”

Community of Christ had its first order placement Saturday. Those items will be distributed at the church July 26. Every month, orders will be taken from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month, with pick-up on the last Saturday of the month.

An estimated 15 volunteers already have been enlisted by the congregation to distribute food this month. Organizers hope the church will become a resource for local families.

Published in Angel Food Ministries
See also: www.lansingstatejournal.com