BY AMY FLOWERS UMBLE
Many Americans plan to cut back on holiday spending. For some, the Christmas meal might be the best place to start.
Angel Food Ministries, a national feeding agency with five local sites, offers a Christmas meal for $35.
The Georgia-based ministry began in 1994, offering boxes of food for cheap. Five area churches take orders and distribute the food. Each month, there is a standard order for $30, a senior box for $28 and add-on choices for about $20.
The national organization cuts costs by buying in bulk and directly from food distributors, said Doug Klein, ministry developer.
December, the meal options include a special holiday dinner box, which could feed about six people and features ham, a roasting hen, potatoes, stuffing, rolls and dessert.
"It's such a great way to stretch every budget," said Karen Hill, site coordinator for Eastland United Metho-dist Church in Spotsylvania County. "And you'd be really amazed at the quality of the food."
Hill and other area coordinators said demand has recently increased for the program. They point to rising food prices--food and drink prices have risen more than 6 percent this year--and increased unemployment.
And they said the program especially helps those who fall between the cracks: people struggling to feed families but not qualifying for food stamps.
"When you need help and a computer tells you you make too much money, it's frustrating," Hill said.
The program has no income requirements and does accept food stamps, so coordinators say the good deals can help people with any budget.
"Anybody can take advantage of Angel Food, and there's no paper work to fill out. They just pay for it, and then they pick it up," Klein said.
Amy Flowers Umble: 540/735-1973
Email: aumble@freelancestar.com
There are five Angel Food sites in the area. You can order online and pick up the box of food at the site. The deadline to order for next month is Dec. 7, and the pick-up date is Dec. 13. Order options include the regular meal, the holiday meal and several gift box options. For details or to order, visit angelfoodministries.com or call one of the local sites: The Bridge Worship Center in Stafford County: 540/760-4241. Eastland United Methodist Church in Spotsylvania County: 540/891-7284. King George Church of God: 540/775-2690. Wallers Baptist Church in Spotsylvania County, 540/582-5703. Stafford Free Will Baptist: 540/752-0208. |