Angel Food Ministries

With both my husband and son out of work, I have been contemplating the purchase of a food box, from Angel Food Ministries.

At first glance, their website looks more than promising. So much so that thousands of people, from around the country, take advantage of this service every month.

The premise is simple. You place your order, either by phone or online. Signature food boxes are $30, which supposedly reflects a $25 discount. The menu changes monthly and there are ‘add on’ boxes available, such as a fresh fruit and veggie box ($22) and an eleven pound chicken combo box ($22).

The food boxes, from Angel Ministries, must be ordered by a certain date early in the month. They are then distributed to multiple neighborhood ‘host sites’ (mostly churches and small ministries) where they can be picked up on a specific date, during the last week of the same month.

The June 2009 Signature box includes: (website states box will feed family of 4, for 1 week).

• 1.5 lb. Ribeye Steaks (4 x 6 oz.)

• 2 lb. Homestyle Lasagna Dinner Entrée

• 2 lb. Beef and Bean Burritos (8 x 4 oz.)

• 2 lb. Boneless/Skinless Chicken Breast Chunks

• 28 oz. Jumbo Beef Pattie Entrée with Gravy

• 1 lb. Lean Ground Beef

• 1 lb. All Meat Hotdog

• 10 oz. Individually Wrapped Sliced Cheese (16 slice)

• 20 oz. Shoestring Fries

• 1 lb. Broccoli Cuts

• 12 oz. Peanut Butter

• 1 lb. Rice

• 1 lb. Pinto Beans

• 1 lb. Margarine Tub (Zero Grams Trans Fat)

• 32 oz. 2% Shelf Stable Milk

• Dozen Eggs

• Dessert

At first I thought this sounded like a pretty good deal. But, after thinking it over and doing a bit of research, I think I’m going to pass.

While I’m sure Angel Food Ministries is the perfect solution for some, I just don’t think it will work in my particular family situation.

Even though there are only three of us, in the household, this food box would not last a week. In addition, the majority of items aren’t what I classify as being healthy. I honestly think I could do better shopping with coupons or visiting my local Aldis.

In the last hour, I’ve read numerous comments in regard to food quality, as well. Many folks will tell you that after ordering one box, from Angel Food Ministries, they have decided against future purchases.

Complaints include: fruits and veggies that are past their prime, tasteless frozen entrées and breaded poultry that is almost all breading.

Another thing that concerns me is the fact that the family who started and still heads this organization was recently under investigation, by the FBI, for misappropriation of funds (with exception to their salaries).

The Reverend, along with his wife, two sons and daughter-in-law, each received ‘paychecks’ of more than $500,000, in 2006. They also appropriated another 600,000, to their church indicating it was a housing allowance.

The court order, stemming from this investigation, prevents them from using corporate credit card on any type of personal expenses.

I’m not saying that you shouldn’t consider Angel Food Ministries, as a means to feed your family. There are many people who have been very happy with their purchases.

I’m only suggesting that you investigate alternatives, as well. Things like using coupons, shopping at local farm markets or joining a neighborhood food co-op can go a long way in stretching your food budget.

Have you purchased food boxes, from angel food ministries? If so, I’d LOVE to hear your comments, as would the rest of the MRB readers.

Photo by: Jessica Reeder

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