Angel Food Ministries: Yah or Nay?
Tuesday November 18, 2008
Angel Food Ministries – some say it's the key to an affordable grocery bill, others say it's an all-round bad deal? What do you say? Share your experiences with Angel Food Ministries.
Discuss
Community Forum
Explore Frugal Living
Must Reads
About.com Special Features
Make Meals Easy
An easy way to put delicious meals together.Build Your Business
Get tips on starting up and staying competitive.Love Your Living Space
Achieve your dream home with advice from the pros.Financial Planning
Stay on top with our smart financial tips.
©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.
All rights reserved.
Comments
I was a big proponent of AFM until last month, when it became obvious that it’s not really the most frugal option for my family. It’s heavy on steaks, and we stick to more of an ethnic diet that uses meat as flavoring, not a food group. And the breaded chicken? Went straight in the trash. Much of it was gristle and fat. We also ordered the produce box once, only to get it home and find half of it in an advanced state of moulder. Not to say we won’t do it again, but for $30, I can buy a whole lotta dried beans and canned veg.
I have enjoyed it in the past. For various reasons, have not ordered recently. Overall, my experience has been good with Angel Food Ministries.
I used to use it in the past. I have found that alot of the food was cheap food that you could probably get a the dollar store. And if you ordered off the premium menu, then alot of the times the meat was not a good quality, like someone else said, alot of gristle and fat. Alot of processed food that are high in fat and just basically low quality. Not to mention that you had to pay for the food upfront and and it wouldnt come in for two weeks. In this economy today, I understand that $30.00 is cheap for a weeks worth of food, but when you need to buy food, you need it know, not two weeks from when you bought it.
I have used Angel Food Ministries for a couple of months now. I found that the food has been of a nice quality for the price. The only downside is having to place and pick up your order by the specified deadline or date.
Angel food ministries is a big thing at our church (Calvery Chapel) and I think it has helped significantly. Me and my husband are just starting out and we can’t afford diddly squat! But I am so glad for those guys. They do an excellent job =]
I used them last month and am eagerly aawaiting Novembers food box. The only problem I had with Oct was that the steaks were grisley. Everything else was of good quality and the kids loved the steaks so I can’t complain. I am moving this week to a new state and will use this food box to stock my freezer for the first time!! It has saved me alot at the store if only because I am going there less often and am less likly to buy stuff I don’t really need.
Angel Food has been wonderful for my family of 4. I think the quality of food has improved since I started ordering about a year and a half ago. This has been a huge money saver for me. It’s also helped me to be more creative in cooking. My only complaint is there is a lot of the sausages, which sometimes is too spicy.
Perhaps it is by state or something, but I know that here is southern Missouri, we have had very good food. This ministy is serving the majority, not the minority, so, in saying that if you don’t eat from the food groups that the average person would eat from, then perhaps no this wouldn’t be your best bet. But, I have had only one or two instances of having issues with steaks or chicken. This is some of the best chicken tenders that I have ever eaten from this ministy.
September’s box was extraordinary! All the meat items were surprisingly high quality and tasty …..and I’m a butcher’s daughter and very choosy. The packaged things were fine, like the generic ricearoni and shelf-stable milk. Good stuff! It was certainly worth the $30. It’s not charity, but a ministry much like a co-op. Someday I’ll order again, hoping for the best again.
We have used AFM for years and are usually very pleased. Some of the chicken is too peppery for me but my family loves it. If there is an item that we do not eat I give it to my adult son or daughter’s families. I have heard people complain about the size of the steaks etc. but the fact is that they are portioned to what we should eat not what we would like to consume and believe me I can down a good sized steak with the rest of them. One thing I also like is that it is for anyone who wants to use it. I also like that with a certain number of boxes purchased the distributers recieve an additional box for their local ministry. (I think it is 20 but not sure) so I get good food and a reasonable price and I am helping someone in need at the same time.
Mary
Here in KS we have the option of both AFM and Food Share America (used to be Colorado Shares or just SHARE). Around here AFM is considered a good way to wean a family from take-out foods because there seems to be a lot of convenience type products on the menus. Most of the consumers are pretty happy with the overall quality except for the produce. FSA produce has been outstanding and the whole chickens have been the best ever. The prices did go up when they took over CoShares so it isn’t quite the bargain it was before but still a viable option. As with anything else, buy a little now and with the money you save buy a little more next time. Some months I have saved as much a 50% on my food bill using FSA and AFM. I don’t mind a little inconvience to save like that. And I’ve been doing this a long time. I’ve had to throw out very little food stuffs because a friend and I like different items so we swap. AFM and FSA are meeting a real need and I appreciate that.
I have found that the Angel Food Ministries food is NO bargain. The food is inferior quality- basically- gristly;fatty meat that is breaded to try to cover up the inferior quality. I have also received vegetables in various stages of, well “rot”. I have found that if I have to throw it all out, it is No Bargain.
my experiences with the food from angel ministries has been varied. some months the meat has been excellent quality, others it was gristly and awful. i stopped ordering because we had several months in a row with poor quality meats. i used to order SHARE food and stopped them also recently because the produce was rotten for the last several months.
When I first ordered from AFM a few years ago, I was impressed with the quality and amount of food. I have a large family, so I would order two of the basic package and usually all of the “bonus” items, and that would hold us for a long time. Over time, the quality of the food went down and the choices became less healthy. Now, you get a lot of processed foods, fried stuff, and low-quality meats, and not much else. The last package I got included some “chicken fritters” that were more fritter than chicken. My kids, who love anything fried, even noticed that there was hardly any chicken inside.
You can get better, healthier choices by shopping supermarket sales and the local farmer’s market at the end of the day, when they just want to unload the day’s goods. It’s really unfortunate that this isn’t such a great deal anymore, because it was such a helpful program to so many. But I wouldn’t recommend it unless they start offering healthier, better-quality choices.
This couldn’t possibly work for a single person. A month’s produce bought at once? What produce would be edible at the end of two weeks – never mind a month? A few kinds could be cooked right way and frozen, but how many? What about fruit?
Like Emily, I don’t eat meat as the typical American main course. (Bad for one’s health, bad for the environment.)
At least as important, I’d have to deal with a church. Don’t belong to one, don’t go near them. I’d take up dumpster-diving, if it were my only alternative. (Looking at a few of the comments, it appears that I might get fresher produce.)
Have used AFM for several years. Here (in KY) the food is of good quality and the portions are the right size. Not huge like we’ve become used to. I buy food a month or two at a time, and yes, this includes everything, so it works for us. We also belong to a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) farm and although we live in the city we grow a few things ourselves…so we have both meat and produce covered. Overall, I recommend AFM highly on the value-for-money scale. Not very much pre-processed foods that I’ve noticed in my box. I like the shelf-stable milk, used it a lot when I lived overseas. It is not designed for those who don’t eat the standard American diet, so if you don’t you’re probably better off elsewhere.
I used to use Angel Food, and like noted above, quit using because the quality went down as time went on; also, every time I got my food, there was always something missing: no milk, no eggs, (even though they were listed), and I never got fresh produce, just frozen green beans and peas and carrot mix. So I figured that shopping my local farmers market and discount grocery stores got me better quality and cheaper prices: I got more food at Aldi’s for $30 and better quality than I did through Angel Food.
It became far too hit and miss to be of much use to my family. Forst month – great, next month- all the meat had been soaked in a salt solution that turned it slimy and nearly inedible! Too many processed foods, too many weird chemical aftertastes. I can see someone starting out using it to get by until they can build their pantry, but I had to throw out way too much to ever buy it again.
As Emily at the top said, I can buy a LOT of beans, pantry staples, and canned goods for $30 at the grocery.
If you have the ability to shop around, I’d give it a skip. Although I will concede its usefullness if you aren’t able to get around much.
We have been getting Angel Food for about a
year and I like it. Except for the frozen vegetables and ground turkey – the flavor or quality or something just isn’t right to us. But I do give them to a friend so they are not wasted. You recieve a variety of food and I think it’s a good deal.
My husband is a full-time nursing student and we are living totally off of my income for the next 2 years. Angel Food has been a blessing to us because we can’t go to the store and buy that much food for $30. We also order the extra boxes of steak and mixed meats. We’ve only had one bad experience with fatty, grisly steaks and won’t order that particular box anymore, but the rest has been fine. It’s helping us out a lot right now! God bless Angel Food Ministries. They are helping a lot of families with affordable groceries.
Angle Food Ministries is the worst food ever. I would rather eat at McDonald’s. We had to throw most of the meat away because it didn’t even look edible for a dog. The food is cheap, greasy and just plain gross. My husband and I can go to the groceries store, spend $40 and get a whole cart full of groceries. Angle Food Ministries is a rip off. You are better off clipping coupons and watching your local grocers stores flyer’s than spending a dime and supporting this organization.
We bought Angel food several times last year and the year before. I found that it was mostly food that I wouldn’t usually buy in the store.
I rarely buy breaded anything and the frozen veg were partially thawed and refrozen and not of good quality because of that. There was no fresh produce, the eggs were missing. I felt because of that I could do better with our local stores.
We buy a lot of Chicken legs and frozen veg, but I can get them very cheap by shopping one store one week and another store the next week. I think Save-a-Lot and Aldi’s offer the same value without prepaying.
I’ve always enjoyed the food from AFM, and it is a great way to purchase food for someone in need. I have ordered boxes for an unemployed friend and taken them to her. She loves the variety, and I love being able to get so much for my money in one stop. It is truly a blessing.
We are pleased with AFM! Some of the chicken patties, with a pickle and bun, taste just like a certain fast food restaurant we love. Our steaks have always been tender and perfect. The variety is interesting, and we have fun with that, learning to cook and try new things from time to time. I do get tired of the frozen carrots…seems like there are alot of them. We have had an excellent experience with them, and if it doesn’t look like a good bargain, we skip that month.
While we found the sides, produce and chicken were very good, the steak and pork were fatty and had an odd spoiled taste which made them unedible. We stuck with it for about three months (thought maybe we had gotten a bad lot) but after consistantly throwing out the most expensive part of the package, it wound up being not worth it for us.
I use the Angel Ministries Food service in Louisiana and have recommended to family and friends in other states and they have started using it also. I usually order the senior box and the fruit and vegetable box. The stuff that I don’t eat I give or trade with someone else so none of the food is wasted or thrown away. It is a good buy for a family and those that are single. I use it every month. This is a real help to the military families in the area whose spouse is deployed. It saves time because you pick up the food on a certain day, so shopping for food takes less time. I think they are doing a great job and a great service to the community.
Since my husband and I have started using Angel Food Ministries, we have been able to eat in a more healthy way. My husband is changing careers in midlife due to an on-the-job accident several years ago, and is a senior in college; I recently became unemployed, and Angel Food has been wonderful. Before, we ate a lot of starchy foods because they were cheap. This had stymied our efforts to lose weight, and ran up my blood sugars (I am prediabetic).I haven’t had any complaints with the quality of the food we receive from Angel Food Ministries. We usually get a regular box, one of the specials, and a veggie box.
I bought from AFM two months in a row, but yesterday I threw out sausage that tasted so bad and was so highly seasoned that I couldn’t even feed it to the dog.
After doing extensive cost analysis it was clear the food could be bought cheaper locally. Also, you don’t have to accept items the family doesn’t like and will not eat.
And to families in rural areas, like mine, the day of delivery may come in bad weather, or not coincide with planned trips into town for carefully routed multiple errands to save fuel.
It is convenient to receive food packaged ready for the freezer, but the only real benefit I see in AFM is charity–the food that churches give to those who are unable to pay anything for their monthly boxes.
A definite plus is the atmosphere at the churches, where contacts with all the AFM volunteers is so uplifting.
AFM did not seem like a great deal for me as I could get good sale prices on better food products that I could choose myself. The options are limited and the service is usually inconvenient to my situation.
I used to use AFM as a single mom of 2 and it was wonderful! My children and I are not picky, so everything was great! After I remarried and moved, I was unable to find a local ministry outlet until recently and I plan on starting back with AFM since I now am a mother of 3, especially with the economy the way it is right now. I think the main “moral of the story” is: If you are picky about any food that you eat, AFM is not for you. Alot of us can’t afford to be picky.
I have used AFM once a few months ago. The main reason I’ve not used it since is because I have limited freezer space. Also, my package had a lot of breaded chicken which, while the taste was good, is not something we prefer. Since that time, I’ve noticed less breaded chicken and a couple of packages I would like but couldn’t get at that time. There are 4 adults in our house and because we have frequent vegetable meals and I bought the extra chicken, the meat lasted over a month.
For singles, there is a new basic order that is for seniors and singles which has lower amounts of each food. Check that out.
I used to buy AFM food boxes but have recently been diagnosed diabetic and there is too much high carb foods in the boxes. Lots of rice and breaded meats are a no-no for my new diet. I was becoming dissatisfied with the boxes though because of the poor quality meat, all the breaded items. I’m not sorry I tried the AFM boxes. I just think I can spend the money more effectively with my own choices.
I have thought about using Angel Food Ministries, but it seems to me that I can better spend my $30 on cheaper, healthier items. As a single mom and veteran penny pincher, I can focus on weekly grocery loss leaders and more nutritious non-meat foods rather than what is offered in a typical AFM package. I am glad the ministry is available for those who like using it.
I have gotten angel food in the past and thought it to be sub-standard and to expensive. I priced each item I received at my local grocery and proved to myself I could buy at the local store and save money.
When you run the numbers it is not really a bargain. You can shop at low budget stores like Aldi or buy the store brands from places like Kroger and get a better value. Another problem is that you are stuck with the package available, not all the items are what we eat. The quality is also substandard overall and you can’t return it for not liking it. At least Kroger and Aldi offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on their products.
I have never tried AFM but just for looking at the menu, I know that I could use my shopping and planning skills to provide better meals for jsut as much. Like a previous comment mentioned… it is not a charity its a fundraiser for churches. I have nothing against churches in general but there are specific churches that I would never support. Plus they seem to have a lot of processed foods in their packages. I use them sometimes to suppliment meals when I’m in a hurry but otherwise I usually cook from scratch. Furthermore the packages seem very boring. As a person who enjoys food very much and enjoys many types of food, this would definately not work for me. Bottom line is it sounds like a good idea for some but definately not for everyone.
I tried them for a while. I can’t eat all the frozen, needs to be fried, food. Otherwise, it’s a pretty good deal! Enough on the base plan to fill the freezer for a month for a single person. Need more food too, like vegetables, but it fills the meat bill nicely.
If you can get the specials then it’s a really decent deal. Where else can you get 4 T-bone steaks and a roast and other cuts all for under $20?
I just found out about this program. It sounds like it works well for some and not for others. It would not work for us because I buy free range chicken& meat. I also buy natural whole grain products and organic fresh produce. We drink raw goat milk I purchase from a farmer in another state(which I can order every 2 weeks). Our health is important to us and God works it out for us to have the healthiest and finest quality of food within our budget. When you eat healthy,nutrtious whole foods you don’t need as much because your body is receiving the nutrients it needs and is satisfied more easily. We tend to get hungry more often when we are consuming foods devoid of the nutrients that our bodies need. If AFM works for some then they should take full advantage of it. We don’t eat pork and processed foods, so it would not be for us.
i have been getting Angel food since june. i’m seeing a turn around in my budget, that hopefully will help the high price of propane for heat this winter.
i have found the quality to be great. i ordered the fresh fruit & veggies when they first came out. that may take some time til that box is up to the standards of the other boxes.
i live on a fixed income, & this really helps me. i’m eating foods i’ve never had before, like filet mignon & ribeye steak. i’m 60. that says a lot right there. i’m experimenting with my cooking also. i pass out menus & locations at all places i go to. the reception from all those places has been very positive.
i can also afford to help neighbors with meals when they need help.
i think my taste with food is good. i have also had times eating a can of pinto beans @ $.59/can for my meal for the day & going to the food cupboard. i eat far above my means now, very well, & i can give to others. i can be frugal & Christian.
last month, i happened to run into a woman whose check was cashed by someone other than the church, so they didn’t have a box for her. i offered to share my box. i was ready to sheare a good half. she didn’t take my offer, but wow, i made it. i haven’t shared this with anyone, but you all don’t know me, so i can share it here. this is what life is supposed to be about.
Here in Shreveport, LA, the food comes from Atlanta GA and it is wonderful! What you should do is team up with another person, especially if you have picky eaters, look at the next month’s items ahead of time and trade the items you may not particularly care for. This works well for me and my friends. Singles can split the cost of a shipment, especially the fresh fruit and produce. The prepared meals are great for seniors.
It is not worth the money at all!!! The steaks were low grade. The rest is usually non-name brand items. I do better using my coupons at my grocery store.
Hello, thanks so much for this post! I used AFM for two months and came to the conclusion without doing an actual research that it isn’t that great of a deal. I’m so happy to read the posts above to prove this! Some of the meats are processed which we don’t like. I make food from scratch. So, considering that some of the meats are good, the processed items are garbage — in effect, just wasted for my family. The eggs are medium size (not large which I usually buy) and a box of cookies and off brand rice and mac and cheese just aren’t my cup of tea. I’d prefer to shop sales and cook from scratch from healthy produce than to continue with AFM. Thanks again to all the above comments.
We’ve been doing Angel Food for several months now in Florida and we’ve been very happy with the quality of foods we’ve been getting. We rarely order more than the regular box, but have gotten good quality meats and can use pretty much everything. The breaded chicken is too peppery for my kids but my husband likes it. It’s a great deal for us.
I signed up for it one time, but wasn’t happy with what I got. It definitely isn’t a good deal for a single person, & especially if on a diet!
Wanted to try it, but it wasn’t healthy enough. What’s with all the junk food? I’d rather get a bag of beans, a can of oats and a bag of frozen broccoli at the 99 cent store.
Besides, I can “curb crawl” as much free day-old yogurt, whole-grain bread and veggies from my local grocery as my freezer can possibly hold, so why bother?
In my book, red meat is unnecessary. If you want cheap protein, eat cottage cheese, tuna and sardines.
We were given some food items from an AF box and found those items to be like something purchased at a dollar store or inedible. The frozen french fries were more like left over scrap pieces of potatoes with the peel still on.
There was a bag of frozen breaded cutlets made from some sort of “mystery meat” which our dog (who eats anything and everything) refused to touch when we tried to feed them to her so they wouldn’t go to waste.
We started getting Angel Food several months ago when my husbands work started to slow down. I know the meat is not “top” quality but is very acceptable to us so far. We eat it and are very happy for it. We are empty nesters, with a grown son who stops in now and then. I ordered the regular package the first month to check it out and it lasted us the whole month. I ordered the senior individual meals the first time they were offered for us, and they more healthy, I did like this last batch better though, more to my taste. I guess we have been more fortunate with our meat. No slimy awful stuff. We are not close to Aldi’s and those type of stores either so this helps us. I am thankful
We love it-we get it every month. I think everyone should try it once. After all it might work for you and it only cost 30.00. Try it!
We have used AFM since September and it has helped our budget. We are here in San Antonio. I would prefer less prepared items as there have been a couple that have just not been good. I do wish that there were less breaded items. I typically do not get any meat specials because they are heavily beef-based sometimes…though the prices don’t look bad compared to HEB’s prices (they’re the only grocery store in town unless you go to Sun Harvest, Super Walmart or Super Target) I have no complaints so far about the meat that I have gotten. Anything that comes in our order that we don’t use and I can donate, I do – though it’s not much. This will be the first month that I am getting the produce so I will be curious to see, based on other’s comments, what it looks like. I think the program has made me a better steward of what I have and we rarely eat out just because money is so tight.
We have used AFM in the past but really started to use them again. Yes the price has gone up but only a couple of dollars, which is not much. We are a retired couple who are on a limited budget and can’t afford Wal-Mart any more since they have raised their prices when the gas was so high and they don’t seem to be coming down on the groceries even tho the gas is coming down.(yes, I know the gas will eventually go up again). The food we get is good quality, don’t get any breaded items, and the Senior boxes are pretty good except for the white fish in Creole sauce. And the pork chops weren’t too good either. Oh well, can”t have everything. All the other foods are very good.
Have been using AFM for a year now. When my husband was at his worst, I didn’t have to worry about running to the store. The shelf stable milk is great for cooking, altho the taste is a little different than store bought. The people delivering are great, including bring to me at work during the tax season. That makes one less stop for me. Now as a single mom, this really streches the food dollar.
Wow, I never leave comments but I have felt very disappointed since picking up my first box of Angel Food products yesterday. Perhaps my expectation was unrealistic but when the advertising says “name brand” foods, I expected that the brands were names I’d recognize. Most items in the box were items I’d expect to find in my local dollar store. Some of the meats have 15-19% added solutions of water and other “stuff”. The ground turkey says “Mechanically Separated Turkey with natural flavorings”(not in fine print but as the large label on the front of the product).
I think it would be helpful if the website showed the actual products you were buying so people could have a more realistic expectation. In all fairness, I have to say that others at my church have participated in the program for several months so they must be fairly satisfied. I spent the $30.00 to try the program and the products. I believe that I could purchase those same products at my local Save-A-Lot and Dollar General and it would not cost me any more. Life goes on…
We have been getting AF for about 5 months and just recently our church as become a host site. It has been a blessing to us and our community. We were never able to have steaks in the past, but now are able to a couple times a month and we have always found them to be fork tender. If you are used to buying expensive name brand foods and have the funds to do so, no, this is not for you. But for those of us that have to choose between feeding our children or paying our utilities, this program is a Blessing. I suggest to anyone who is in a good spot financially during this Holiday season to contact your local host site and donate a box or two. God Bless.
My family has been using Afm for 3 months. We couldn’t be happier. We have always received everything we were suppossed to get, the food has been really good quality, and it takes us all of five minutes to get almost all of the food we need for a month! Yeah! I calculated how much our Save a Lot would charge for next months food. It was quite a bit more. We have gotten a few things we didn’t love, but it was my opportunity to give it to someone or turn it into something we WOULD like creatively. If you don’t eat much meat, don’t order as much. I suppose it’s everyone’s choice whether they like AFM or not, and of course, if you don’t want others telling you what is on the menu! But, otherwise, give it a try! You might be very surprised…and blessed.
A single friend of mine orders it and it seems to work out for her. It’s not cost effective for my family of four, which includes to growing boys. I’ve found I’m better off planning a menu, shopping sales and coupons.
My family has been ordering at least one box per month for the past 3 years – also we volunteer to help deliver to shut-ins with the ministry. It seems like it is sometimes hit or miss – there are really good months where everything is great and there are not so good months where there are a couple of items we wouldn’t eat. The fresh fruit and vegetable boxes are new to us – they’ve only been offered here in PA for te past several months – I’m trying them for the first time this month. The heavily breaded chicken seems to have been eliminated from the menu (YEAH!) – overall I continue to find value each month.
Got our first box today, along with a special fruit-only box. This fruit is far better quality than in the local stores HERE. The meats are OK quality.
If you have a food budget that can afford organically grown-fruits and veggies, organically-raised grass fed beef, OR, if you have alternative ways of eating, and so on, then NO, this is NOT a good option.
But, as someone mentioned above, it’s a blessed option when it’s a choice between eating or paying the high utility bills–and someone is on a limited fixed income, as many seniors, disabled, and working poor are.
I have been ordering afm food for several months now, i ahve found that the food is not always the greates.. but on a fixed income and trying to help out a child with 2 growing boys it is a god send…. i do not order the fruit box because it is not good… this months fruit box was a gift and was ok. but useally the fruit is older and not that good.. but i will continue to order
I recently purchased food from AFM in November. Being a single mom it was very reasonable for myself and my daughter. I was very pleased with the marinated chicken and we had the steaks today and they were also very good. Some things I don’t know that I would use but I think it was a bargain for the price, I have not gone to the grocery store for meats in quite a while, in fact I didn’t order for December because I didn’t have room in my freezer.
We tried Angel Food Ministries for the first time this month-I am sorry to say the food was a very poor and fattening quality. That was unfortunate because we used our grocery money and couldn’t eat most of it. We can do better using coupons and also going to The Farmers Market.
I’ve been using AFM for the since September. I also shop at Aldi’s and my local Kroger. With the high cost of living I find it a wonderful way to add varity to my family’s diet while saving money. I do have to be creative with some of the food. I soak the steaks in water to decrease the salt and then use the meat in either a stir fry or steak sandwiches. The ground turkey I add to tomato sauce or manwich mix.I drain the fat from the cooked meats always before adding veggies, ect.. The meat can be fatty but just drain it just like you do with hamberger meat. It no big deal to do that. I’ve never had a problem with the fresh fruit and veggie box. In fact there was a problem once that some of the stuff was frozen, not mine though.Our host site got a box for free the next month from AFM. So if the fruit is bad contact AFM they want you to be happy.
We have used AFM for the past three months, and it has been a real lifesaver for us. The food has been of excellent quality, meats and produce. No, the packaged food is not big-brand, but we always ate store-brand to save money anyway. And the people at the church site are the greatest, nicest people around. I am not a big church person myself, but these folks are doing what Christianity is supposed to be all about. None of this hate-filled stuff, just purely help your neighbor and feed the hungry.
My church as just started AFM (Vineyard Community Church in Nokesville Va) and it’s great. I have used it in the past and my wife and I saw our grocery bill go down. They are coming out with a kosher menu and a diabetic menu soon so keep coming back to AFM website.
This is the first month I have tried it. I bought the regular box, 1 meat box and 1 fruit and vegetable box. I haven’t had the opportunity to try it yet, but it looks good. I am going to comparison price what I got to see if there was a savings. Everything looked good, we’ll see how it taste. Don’t know what I will do with a bag of lemons? I found out about AFM on the Hillbilly Housewife website and will be curious as to how she recommends using the lemons in her menu plans that she does. She hasn’t posted December yet, since I think she uses the AFM groceries for the January meals.
I thought it was a great thing!! My freezer is still full after two weeks! I recommend.
I am a former director for a local Angel Food Ministries Host Site and the ordering schedule has changed here in Ohio. You recieve your food the same week (as the last date to order)that same week on Saturday. so you can wait and order on the last day and pick up that same week on Saturday. This is a great NEW feature. Also, Angel Food Ministries has made every effort to make all our customers happy by replacing any food that was not up to par. It wasn’t an instant fix BUT it happened the very next Distribution Day. Does your local grocery do that? Not mine! I have been involved with AFM for over two years so I do know what I am talking about. I have tons of emails from satisfied customers raving about how wonderful AFM is.
Linda
I am an Angel Food host site director and maybe I can clarify some of the comments a bit. Angel Food is designed for families with minimal ability to cook or working mom’s or single parents who are having a hard time. It is supposed to be enough basic staples to feed a family of four for a week – this does not include bread and fresh fruit generally. It is a good to decent deal. If you are a picky eater or grossly health conscious, it’s not for you. It’s not unhealthy – definitely more healthy than the standard american diet, but it’s not health food either. Their new fruit and veggie boxes are decent deals and decent quality. Their specials are excellent. I can with effort beat their prices locally, but I have the means and time to work at that. Many families do not know how or have the funds week after week to do this. For these people, the elderly who have difficulty shopping, singles, young families who are working, Angel Food is a very good deal. And, I must say, the churches who do this truly care and take the time to work with their customers. If you don’t like something, tell them – it can be communicated by to Angel Food HQ. I know you don’t pay for the ministry aspect of Angel Food, but it’s probably the best value in the whole box.
Just had to leave a comment. We use AngelFood Ministries food when we can pay ahead like that. We have always liked their meats and it is the only way we can afford steak. We eat lots of veges and I still make our bread and have never found anything wrong with our boxes of foods. We also use GreatFoodForAll now and they have different packages and no need for a basic purchase. We only get the things we cannot grow and other ‘necessities’ now that we have these options open to us. Hope you all have better luck in the future and happy eating.
We tried the Angel Food Ministries last month (Dec) and I have to say I was very surprised it was decent! Some of the meats had to have some seasoning but over all it was great and really helped us out!
As long as you have reasonable expectations I think you will enjoy it. I mean don’t expect the meat to be $10 a lb quality of meat… it’s just your basic meat.
We have used AFM for the last year and saved about half the money we used to spend on groceries. Great since the economy is doing so poorly. The only trouble I had was figuring out what to do with all this food. I started meal planning a month in advance which made this much easier.
I have never commented on any board, however, I feel that I need to comment on this one. My family have been using AFM for about 5 months now. I have enjoyed everything we have gotten from them, with the exception of the corn tortillas. I have read other folks say that the food was too unhealthy (maybe not on this board) but really let’s be realistic. When you eat at the fast food places, is all that food healthy? I think not. Just because it is a food that would taste better fried, does not mean you have to. I fix the chicken strips in the oven, along with the fries we get, and other “fried” foods.
My husband and I both work, making decent salaries, but we use AFM and have saved about 75% on my grocery bills. This difference is helping us put our two sons in a private school. AFM has blessed my family in more ways than one. I have taken to buying 2 families that are in need, but are to ashamed to get food stamps, the AFM every month. Everyone should try it just once. The veggie boxes are really the best value and if used, can provide a meal in its self. IE. Cabbage, potatoes, and carrots cooked together, there is a healthy meal for you.
I just can not say enough good about AFM.
AFM is a great way to decrease the grocery bill. There are two of us total in my household; the food lasts a long time if you are creative and most of it can be frozen anyway. I have tried a couple of items that were not to MY particular liking but for the price, I will give the two items away next time and the total cost would still be worth it. With the economy in this pinch-come on, some months with AFM are totally worth it for the $
AFM has been a God send for a family that we sponsor through the Box Project. We are able to pay for the food and our family can pick it up. I am pretty sure that it is not top quality (I’ve never tried it) but I know that it has to be better than going hungry. Usually we end up spending at least $30 to mail items to them. However, we knew that what they really needed was food. Our family gets to eat and thanks to AFM we can provide meals at a reasonable cost. AFM is reliable viable way for my family to help another family from going hungry at minimal cost.
I have worked at Angel Food for several months and i am a christian myself so at the begginning i felt like that is where i belonged now i have come to think that they are all about making money for themselves sending out cheap food and making the buyer think they are getting a deal FACT: Pastor Joe and his family made over 2.5 million dollars last year Hmmm makes ya think huh also while i have been there i have been told i will go to thier church and tide with them!! no matter what my faith Hmm…. Just thought i would put that out there for those of you that are like me poor and have to do what we have to do to provide for my family just a little food for thought before you waste your money
I have used AFM on and off for about 2 years. Occasionally the quality is not that great but overall I feel like I certainly get my moneys worth. I have been able to buy extra boxes and help out single moms who were struggling to feed their families and it blesses me to do this. If you are looking for gourmet quality be thankful that you can afford it. Most folks can’t.
I first bought a box for my daughter, who with her husband has a family of 6. They both work and do as well as they can to support their his, hers, and ours family. It has been a huge assistance to them. They have never gotten any government assistance even when one of their children was ill making it impossible for her to work. Now I buy at least one box for myself and my mother gets a senior box. I think it’s great. It may not be perfect but it means you won’t go hungry.
We have ordered several boxes from AFM and to me the quality is great!! The steaks are very good!! The price, quality and quantity are all worth it to me as my family is not that picky nor can we afford to be. Some people who posted above seem surprised at what they got in their box.. There is a menu available to look at so you are sure to know exactly what you are getting before you get it and pay for it.. We will continue to order from AFM..
It seems to me that Angel Food Ministries is a mixed bag, if you want and are able to pick your own groceries the small savings may not be for you. But if you live in a rural area where there are few stores and less price competition then the savings and help may well be a blessing. So why complain if one likes it, use it and bless the good people.
If not don’t and still bless the good people.
I got the AFM several times however it is not a good option for me,the food was not good quality, to processed and actually could buy better quality for a lot less price by shopping the lost leaders at local grocery stores and shopping with coupons I’ve actually got $384.00 of groceries for less than 20.00 One store gives double to 1.00 I always get at least 50% saving with coupons. Aldi’s can’t be beat for canned goods Hint: those green bags really keep the produce good for a long time.Worth the money.
I am disabled and on a fixed income. I have been getting food boxes for awhile now. Personally I feel it is a great value, it helps so much with my grocery bill and has helped me include more protein in my diet. As for those who have complained about all the breaded foods that need to be fried, they should realize you can also put it in the oven and it cooks just the same except for the grease. So, you can make a healthy meal and for the frozen veges., put them in a great pot of soup. I guess some people just haven’t had to learn to really make do like I have. Come on everyone this is not dinner at the Beverly Hills Hotel. This is a great service to us all. Thank you so much Angelfood Ministries!!!!!!!!
We have used Angel Food for several months and have been very pleased. Those of you who throw out food because it is breaded, someday may wish you had it back. We live in an economy where we should be thankful for a ministry like this. And don’t tell me you have never gotten bad food from a supermarket. Do you take it back? I bet if you had a problem, let’s say eith the vegetable box, they would work with you. We as a country are so used to living high on the hog so to speak. I really am thankful. Thank you for asking my opinion.
Here in IOWA.
To the general consensuses here! I am a servant of the most high God (Jesus Christ) first and formost! I have read most of the commits on here and to be very honest it appears that AFM has its problems for sure! I know the ministry/business and know the people behind the programs. I know in the beginning that it was started as a passion to do something for God and help people in need, however over time people are pulled by the things of the world/flesh and sometimes compromise the vision God has called them to for what is easy and most profitable for the business or so called ministry. History has proven this time and time again when people are driven by money and not the spirit of God and His perfect will for their lives. I think the best thing everyone can do is just pray for those that have fallen in the trap of building a business instead of Ministry. I can’t or will not say this has happen to anyone specifically however the fruit that all so called ministry produces will tell what kind of tree they truly are, or are not—then let God be the judge!!! I have started a food ministry in Georgia and we are providing a package of food that is of the highest quality on the market bar none!!! The meats are fresh cut at a local butcher shop “not weeks old and out of date as has been stated herein” the sides are name brad and “also not out of date or rotten” the package consists of 7 dinner meals for a family of 4. We are now putting 4 additional dinner menus and two breakfast/lunch menus together that will allow for a different package each and every week. This will allow the families to receive a fresh package each and every week “not a large quantity of food that has to last a month and go bad” (yes we will supply a package each and every week)!! We will also be providing cook out packages/specials (this will be all fresh cut meats/Beef, Pork, Chicken and in some cases buffalo) that will be cut to order just as you would get at your local butcher shop) we are also going to offer all natural and organic for those that request/want it, however it will cost more.
Our Church is looking into being a host site for AFM. I have not personally bought anything from AFM, although I am buying the February box, but I see this program as a huge asset to the community. It provides food at an affordable price for those that may not otherwise be able to feed their families and it allows us that are passionate about showing God’s love a chance to reach out and really help our communities in need. I have seen several complaints in comments above about quality and name brand, I know from personal experience that $30 does not buy a great deal of food at any grocery store any longer and when you have a family that is existing off of ramen noodles and stale bread this food is a God send. We do not live in an upper class community, we live in a community where people are struggling just to have groceries in their homes on a weekly basis. It is our duties as Christians to reach out to these people in anyway we can and I think that is what AFM’s purpose is. God Bless.
Very good product to me .
To all those that feel the need to piss and moan about having to wait two weeks to get the food….you knew it up front. You have the option of going to the grocery store and paying maybe $75 and getting it RIGHT NOW!
Personally I have been using AFM for months now and my family and I love it. We have never had any problems with the food. All of the fresh stuff has been as good as any thing in the grocery the same with the frozen. My elderly Father in law enjoys the senior boxes that I bring him as it helps with his food dollars and they are easy to make. I can’t believe that people on this site have thrown out the food even if you don’t like it they could have given it to someone else. As far as turning it up just so you don’t have to go into a church. That’s stupid beyond belief; they don’t preach to you, you get your food and leave. Also I would much rather eat the fresh fruit and vegetable or even frozen than canned that have all that extra salt added.
My husband & myself have been involved with Angel Food Ministries for several years. This has been a great blessing to many people that we come in contact with. The food is NEVER outdated & is ordered each month for that month’s distribution. I know an article came out telling how much salary Pastor Joe Wingo the founder of AFM makes. What it failed to mention is that he relinquished his salary to pay off debt. It failed to tell that anytime one of the host sites has called & asked for help because of need from a natural disaster, he has never turned that request down. AFM sent a whole semi load of food – about 30,000 lbs – to a disaster site caused by a devastating tornado. He has done this many times. This man & those who work with him have a huge heart to help people. Yes, the business end of it is run as a business, & it needs to be. I know what he does to help people, & it really irritates me when I hear this kind of criticism. I have sat at my kitchen table with people who have tears of gratitude in their eyes because of AFM. Like anything else, it’s not perfect. Food does not always arrive in perfect condition. It will be replaced if reported. For the most part, AFM is doing a great job, as most of these testimonials say. It’s not for everyone, but it truly is a blessing to many!
We buy from Angel food and I have recommended it to family and friends. I have checked the prices at every grocery store and the dollar stores. I can’t buy the amount of food they offer even with sales for 30.00.
Maybe it’s not all name brands but who cares. I don’t care what anyone says, you can’t buy much with 30.00 these days, I should know I have tried.
We haven’t had any problems with the meat, vegetables or anything else.
I think for those who complain about the quality that they should stick to grocery stores.
For those who need help in this horrendous economy, Angel Food is a blessing.
For many this is the only way they can afford to eat. You see, many of us don’t care if the eggs are medium instead of large.
The reason we pay in advance is because they need to know how much food they’ll need. I have no problem with it, we pick ours up each month and get enough to last till the next month. I am grateful to Angel Food and want them to know how much they are appreciated.
They even load the boxes in my car when I go to pick it up. Thank God that someone in this Country cares about those of us who really need help.
My first month ordering and so far I’m disappointed with the quality of the meat. The veggies in the dinners were great.
I thought it would come with nutritional information that you would find on any food you buy. It’s important to know the calories, grams of fat, sodium, sugar, etc. However, that information wasn’t available (not only on the packages but on the AFM website).
I do not plan on buying any other packages from AFM.
The only nutritional information I need to know is that my family is able to have meals on the table thanks to AFM. I have been reading all the complaints and praises of AFM. I agree with Carole. If you can afford to shop at the local grocery store, if you don’t like the meats, size of the eggs or lack of nutritional information, maybe you need to shop at your local stores.
I feel certain when Jesus fed the people with fish or bread or wine that they didn’t ask for nutritional information.
It’s a fact that all of the food is not brand names as mentioned a few times. I do not care. My family has tried to spend 30.00 a week on groceries too. My wife and I went by the AFM menu and honestly tried. My wife clipped coupons, she checked all the store ads.
The cheapest we got out was 69.25 for a week. That included using coupons, going to 3 different grocery stores buying sale items and one local dollar store.
We aren’t bums but we are affected by the recession in a major way. Many families are.
I’m not ashamed for buying AFM, it isn’t charity.
Sometimes we need to be thankful for what we have and what is offered. The day may come when those of you complaining would be thankful for AFM. We don’t know what is store for us in these unstable economic times.
Keep this mind. There are some who are really going hungry right now. They may not qualify for food stamps but still be hungry. Yes, that’s possible. Have you considered how much unemployment pays? You still have your bills and groceries but the government doesn’t think that income is low enough so you have to choose, keeping your house so your family has a place to live or buying food at the grocery store.
There are families like I described right now that don’t know about AFM but if you spread the word you may help them be able to afford to feed their family. My thanks to someone who told us about AFM I can now afford to feed my family.
To those who complain, if you’ve ever been hungry, you’d be thankful for what they offer. Until then, you just won’t get it and should shop elsewhere. As for the quality of the food. I’d give it 9 stars out of a possible 10.
I have been using AFM for the past several months. I wish I had known about this program several years ago when I was a single mom with six small children. I am now remarried with only two children left at home. I also run an in home childcare. The angel food is perfect for my situation. Since using the service I have expanded my menu options. We are definetly eating at home more often and I find I am spending much less on groceries for the month. Some items we dont always use but we have creatively used them in others ways….my daycare used some dry black beans for several art projects and i made some brightly colored bean bags. It is a win win situation for all involved. The church recieves a stipend, the volunteers leave smiling and my family is grateful.
I am from Ashland, PA. My only comment is that the senior/convenience box has alot of chicken, cooked in many ways but still chicken. Some foods are not processed in divided containers which results in a mess when you finally get to eat it. Here in PA we like PA food, not always rice, okra and beans. I’m thinking the ounces offered are a little skimpy; I am not a big eater but I am still hungry with a 3 oz. dinner.
The Senior Box was actually made in portions for people over 65 who require less calories.
My Mother in law buys this and she praises the efforts of AFM as she no longer cooks but still gets a balanced meal at a small cost and convenience of just heating it.
Elaine Wallace, The Senior meal actually contains contains 3 oz. of protein, PLUS a starch & two vegetables or fruit.
The total meal is more than 3 oz.
Elaine Wallace says: Here in PA we like PA food, not always rice, okra and beans.
Hmmmmmmm I don’t see much rice, no okra and beans are healthy.
I wasn’t aware that PA had a certain food all to themselves!
Maybe you need to rethink buying this if it’s not good for you.
It angers me that some have to just PICK PICK PICK!
Beef Chili Macaroni Casserole with Diced Carrots and Green Beans
Ham & White Beans with Diced Sweet Potatoes and Winter Blend Vegetables
Creamy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo with Corn and Capri Blend Vegetables
Sweet & Sour Pork with Rice, Peas and Carrots, and Squash Medley
Flame Broiled BBQ Chicken Breast with Diced Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli
Seasoned Beef Chili with Beans, Broccoli and Applesauce
Beef Meatballs & Shell Pasta with Creamy Alfredo Sauce, Green Bean Casserole and Squash Medley
Pot Roast and Gravy with Vegetables, Diced Potatoes and Green Peas
Creamy Macaroni & Cheese with Diced Carrots and Green Peas
Grilled Chicken Breast over Rice & Gravy with Diced Carrots and Green Peas
10 2-pack, individually-wrapped cookies
I have not tried this program yet but people my husband used to work with who have been laid off or ones who’ve have had their hours cut back use it and say sometimes the food is good and sometimes there are a few things in the box that aren’t so good. But overall, they seem to appreciate the program. My husband is a hunter and we have a lot of venison in our freezer plus I get good sales on poultry through one of our local butchers so I stock up, so we really don’t need this service yet. We also coupon-clip and shop at the Sharp Shopper and Aldi’s, which as stated in the above comments, can get you some better deals on fruits and vegetables. The couple who started this AFM program are truly extraordinary people. If this country falls into a full-fledged economic depression, those people who are complaining about this program or the quality of food may give it another chance…I am so glad something like this is available!
I buy extra boxes of AF and give to needy families. Often times when putting the food into their frig there is nothing there..ZIP. When I leave I see tears in their eyes. They don’t seem to mind that the meat didn’t come from a butcher shop. A lots of the food is resturant quality food and is not in a fancy package.You just can’t imagine the hugh investment that AFM has made, its hugh. They feed over 500,000 people each month and many of them are on food stamps. I can find something wrong with anything but I try to look for the good side, Isn’t that what christians should do? Thank you Jesus for angel Food Ministries.
ISP: Further comments from Elaine Wallace, ashland, PA. Also, do we have to have string beans and carrots ALL THE TIME! Are there other foods we can eat? By the way, getting angelfood since September, I have now signed up 5 PA widows to get the box of their choosing. So I am not saying the food is not good. It is and God Bless you and your ministry. We will pray for you.
Our family has been buying Angel Food for three years now, and overall, I have to say that I’ve been very impressed. There are, as noted above, some months that the food is questionable. Not necessarily in quality, but just for what we prefer to eat. We do tend to eat more chicken than beef, so on the beef-heavy months we just don’t buy as much.
I have found that occasionally the meat is kind of gristly, but not usually. Also, many times, if I order more than one box, I have one cut that’s not so good, and another cut that’s great, so sometimes you just have to take your chances, I guess. Most of the time, it’s fine.
The produce is good, too. The downfall to the produce box (one of the specials) is that it has to ride up on a semi that is cooled to below freezing (which is required for the frozen meats and veggies), and that’s hard on some fresh items like celery. The last two months, we’ve had that fresh fruit and veggie box, and everything was great. I guess it’s a give and take: I’d rather have some wilted celery than not-quite-frozen chicken!
The last time I comparison-shopped an angel food menu, I got a total of $68, and that was over a year ago when grocery prices were a lot cheaper, so I’d say this is definitely a good deal, especially if you’re not too picky about what you eat. Obviously, if you don’t eat meat, or you don’t eat red meat, or you don’t eat breaded meat or something like that, you’ll not get your money’s worth from a box, but it sure saves us a lot of money… probably about $50 a week.
I say, give it a try for a month or two and see what you think. If you hate it, quit! But if you don’t, you’ve found something that will help you save money in an economy where every little bit helps.
I have mixed feelings about the pkg., especially the meat. One thing I know for sure is that the pork ribs are terrible!!! Had some tonight (they called it pork strips)
Even my husband didn’t eat much and he will eat anything that doesn’t move. lol When something is unacceptable three times, something is wrong.
The meat is really of poor quailty. It reminds me of something left over. Then if you figure in the price per pound I don’t find any savings especially if you shop hometown ads. On the up side the fresh produce has always been fresh and the price is very good.
My husband and I have been using Angel Food for about 4 months now and I have never had a problem with it. The foods we get here are good quality, and always cook up well. I’ve not had issues with spoiled produce or slimy/inedible meats in the regular or produce packages, and it has given us an opportunity to try a thing or two we might not have tried otherwise. If there is something in the box that we don’t use or care for, we pass it on to someone who will. We find it a way to be better stewards of the money that God has entrusted us with and I will continue using Angel Foods as long as I am in an area that is served.
The angel food selections are not worth it. the food is generic at best. The cuts of meat are awful. If you shop carefully you get better buys too. it’s just not worth buying.
My husband and I volunteer in Dixon KY on distribution days and also buy the main box and sometimes the specials like the grill box. I have priced similar items at Kroger, Wal-Mart, Sureway, and Save-A-Lot in Henderson and Madisonville KY. We are well pleased with the prices, the quality, and the motivation behind Angel Food Ministries to feed those in need.
Angel Food has been a great resource for our family helping us through some tough times. It is a great value and the food is great.
We’ve been buying from AFM for a long time and we have never gotten spoiled produce or slimy/inedible meats in the regular or produce packages. Everything has been fresh and the meats are as good as we see in the stores. We have also priced the items at our grocery stores and there is no way we could buy what we get for 30.00 a box.
Thank God for AFM, they are helping out many families in tuff times.
Urgent send me your e-mail address. go Wingo was arrested at 10:00 a.m. yesterday.
I am a relative of Angel food Rep. I have heard real disturbing information about this so called Non-for profit organization. This is nothing more than individuals using Gods name and what he stands for to push a product and earn money. It broke Feb 12, 2009 that the FBI has raided the headquarters and took computers and documentation. This kind of thing is why non-christians want o stay that way. As a Christian, I am not going to go into details about some of the other, poor taste things that Angel food has done. I just ask that you not use this service any longer. There are other places (food banks, etc) that will get you the food you need. Don’t support what they do. Just Google “Angel food Ministries FBI raid,” you will find some interesting articles
ill… You wrote, “I have heard real disturbing information about this so called Non-for profit organization. This is nothing more than individuals using Gods name and what he stands for to push a product and earn money. It broke Feb 12, 2009 that the FBI has raided the headquarters and took computers and documentation.” Before making such announcements, you should get all of your facts straight. First of all, they didn’t take computers and its was not a raid. Angel Food had knowledge that they were coming and has complied fully with the IRS’s investigation. The search was related to an individual or individuals… NOT the ministry, its host sites, or anything directly related to the food. Your comments do more harm than good for the overall well being of those who desperately need the food and assistance each month. Also, as a “relative of an Angel Food rep”, I believe you are doing a disservice to your family member as well.
Angel Food is not good food. We have purchased it several times. The meat I wouldn’t give to my dog. The produce is over ripe. We consider Angel Food Ministry a rip-off to people. People who need this service should receive the highest quality. Thank You
I am a relative of an Angel food Rep in the midwest region. This is nothing more than business using Gods name and ideas to make money. I have heard discussions between my relative and Mr. Wingo that were everything but God-like. Do not support any business that “only” uses God in order to get business. The food is disgusting anyway. You get better food from Aldis for less.
I am shocked at the Hate being spewed here!
I am Sure it nothing but crude people who know NOTHING about AFM! My family and friends have bought this food for quite a while and I will be honest about it. The meats and produce have all been good, nothing ever rotten or slimy as described above.
Say what you like and keep spreading the hate but the FACT is AFM has helped some families that would otherwise go HUNGRY!
DO YOU EVEN KNOW WHAT’S IT LIKE TO BE HUNGRY? I DIDN’T THINK SO! SOME DO AND SOME PEOPLE CAN’T FEED A FAMILY OF FOUR ON 30.00 A WEEK UNLESS WE HAVE SOMETHING LIKE AFM. IT’S PEOPLE LIKE YOU THAT CONTINUE TO TEAR APART THIS COUNTRY! DON’T LIKE THE FOOD? DON’T BUY IT! BUT STOP SPREADING HATE AND LIES ABOUT HOW TERRIBLE IT IS! SOME OF US NEED IT!!!!!!!
REGARDING THE FBI RAID!!!!!!!!!
“Angel Food Ministries believes that this is an investigation of an individual or individuals connected to the organization, and not regarding the ministry itself, its service to the public or its host sites in any way.”
By the way, I am so glad you have a ‘Aldis’ that sells food so cheap you can get more than what we get for 30.00 per box from AFM for less! SOME of us are NOT that lucky.
Don’t like the food, shop at your Aldis!!
So did joe wingo get arrested or not??
Angel Food has been a blessing for my family, it might not be the top of the line stuff, but it sure help on the grocery bill, me and my husband are on a fix income so this help out a lot, by the way love the veggie and fruit box, for those people that don’t like it don’t buy it, where I come from you can’t get that kind of food for 30.00 dollars, so I’m thankful.
need food cheap where else can i get it
Whether or not AFM is a good deal totally depends on the food prices in your area. I live in the St. Paul/Minneapolis area, and $30 here gets you squat. (A decent loaf of bread is $3-$4.) I know in other regions, food is not as expensive, and then AFM would not be a good deal for you.
Some of the food is more processed than I care for, but it’s not all we eat, and it helps all our other groceries stretch through the month.
No Joe Wingo hasn’t been arrested.
My fam. have been using angel food for a year now. I have nothing bad to say about them. They are very friendly every time we have gone. For my fam. we could not make it without them & we find that it saves us on gas money & on our time shopping & we all know time is money…
Speaking of my previous comments regarding PA food vs. AFM food was meant for good and was not picky and was meant to direct the people producing the food packages and preparing the food for shipment. PA food should reflect what PA people eat, thus the rice, beans, okra comment. Central PA is a conglomerate of ethnic people. Germans, Italians, Irish, Slovac, PA Dutch. Many of our ancesters worked the anthracite mines, thus we require food that has body to it and more than 3 oz. of protein. We also shovel 5-8 inches of snow and ice in the winter which requires heavier meals which produces body energy. We are a hardworking group of people. Marie Calisters Creamed Chicken and Shrimp over pasta with broccoli is delicious, 13.5 oz worth, $3.00 a package, slow roasted roast beef with mashed and string beans is a winner, meatloaf with mashed and a vegetable is good also. Check out this frozen dinner in your grocery store. Have you heard of ham potpie. It’s a staple here in PA. What about turkey pies, beef pies, chicken pies. Yummo!!! The AFM food is good but really not sufficient enough in ounces for us whether we are over 65 or younger. Thank you for the good work you do for the Lord. I suggest a vsit to the states that you service to see what they are eating. Every state is different, I am sure. And, by the way, I am not nitpicking but leaving a comment as your Web page suggested I do. If you don’t want comments, please don’t invite them or assail the ones who do comment.
Check out
http://www.greatfoodforall.com
Please note that the FBI recently served two search warrants on the offices of Angel Food Ministries. More information is available in articles printed by the Atlanta Journal Constitution newspapers.
I use it as my mother and aunt plus some friends. I buy the 30 food and the 22 fruit and veggie box and buy little all thought he month so to me 52 a month for food is a bargain. May I would like fillet or something but I do not have a campaign budget.I think Americans want just too much today. Let m tell you I am 17 generation American so I can say this. Greed got us to this point, expecting too much out of life. I see the comments about canned foods and to me canned food are just salt with other stuff added. So to me kill yourself with that junk.
My husband (disabled) and I have gotten AFM food boxes in Nov. ‘08 and Jan. ‘09. We have been more than pleased with the quality of the foods we have received. The meats are tender and very tasty, the rest of the contents were of decent quality. We got the Fruit and Veggie box in Jan. and I was thrilled with the quality and freshness of all of the contents. Nothing was sub par with the grocery store variety. I have always been a frugal shopper and therefore not chained to the “name brands”. In this economy, with an Administration determined to lead us into a depression, there are a lot of people leaving comments who would do well to learn to economize and not be so picky in what you and your children “want” to eat. I was raised in a household with Depression Era parents so being picky was not and is not in my vocabulary. There may come a time when you will be scrounging for something for your family’s meals. I think Angel Food Ministries is a wonderful service and hope it continues long into the future. We will definitely by continuing.
If someone gets a box with spoiled produce or something is wrong with one of the items, it would benefit everyone to tell someone in charge at the distribution center. I’m sure there is occasion for a bad item to find its way (unnoticed) into someone’s food box. But, nothing will ever be done about it if you don’t let them know.
It may be that someone just didn’t notice a spoiled item when he/she gave it out or placed it in a box or bag. If you can check the contents of your box/bag before leaving and find something spoiled, I’m sure they would be happy to replace it.
Just think about it, with the volume of food being processed at the distribution centers every month, it’s not surprising that some bad food may get through. The workers are mostly, if not all, volunteers and can make mistakes.
Don’t just let a bad item or items in your food box stop you from using this service. Certainly letting them know about it and even asking for (if they readily don’t offer) a replacement wouldn’t cost you anything except time.
And if some of the food is really substandard, like really grisly and/or highly fatty meats, let them know about that too. Maybe that problem could be corrected too. To me, if substandard food is a big problem in one location, then it seems like Angel Food would check out the place where that food is being bought.
The food is supposed to be first quality, not substandard. If you tell someone in charge at your distribution center about substandard food and the quality of the food seems to remain the same, then contact Angel Food Ministries headquarters.
Well, I accidentally hit “Say It!” before I was finished. :}
I’m in Kentucky and got the regular food box in December 2008. My family of 3 really liked all the food. We don’t like highly fatty meats or highly seasoned, salty meats either. Everything was great in our box except the mac & cheese wasn’t so good but we ate it anyway.
We’re planning to get the March regular box and special #5 chicken tenders box. I figured the savings for us would come to about $30 which will help us out a lot as grocery prices are still climbing.
I’m just saying that if there’s something wrong with an item in your box, let them know and give them the chance to correct it–and ask for a replacement should they not think to offer. :} I would think anyone connected to the distribution of the food would rather have someone go away happy than to have bad feelings about receiving a spoiled or substandard item.
Another thing I was thinking about is that sometimes I get a really bad piece of meat from a chain grocery store (like Walmart or Krogers). Like one just loaded with hidden fat or that was so tough you couldn’t even cut it with a sharp knife! A few times over the years I’ve returned the meat with it’s label to the store to complain and have always received a replacement or my money back. I’ve had to do this only 2 to 3 times, but it was worth the effort. Just don’t assume that you’re stuck with it and nothing can be done about it.
Give your local distribution center a chance to correct a problem and if nothing is done about it or corrected over a short time, you could still contact Angel Food Ministries headquarters. It’s worth a little effort and could pay off! :}
I have ordered AF in the past by due to a variety of reasons had not in some time. I ordered for February 2009 and this is what I found. The deadline for ordering was Feb 15th and the delivery date was Feb 21st. That was a good turn around time to me. I ordered the basic regular menu and the fresh fruit and veggie box. The regular menu box was $30 and for that I received enough protein for at least 14 dinners for my husband and me. That is 28 servings of meat for $30 not including the eggs, bacon, milk, rice, beans, cereal, macaroni, veggies and dessert. Definitely a good deal. I received over 20 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables for $21 – including a pineapple. All of the fruits and vegetables were in great condition. I would say it is a good deal. Bargain shoppers may do better and if you don’t eat meat, don’t bother, but over all the quality was good and the value great.
i am very uinhappy with Angel Foodm Ministries. My pick up site is the family Worship center in Clay NY.
Ham instead of steak( and not told… cheap qualityham and very tiny , not an even substitution) Missing items and items not the size supposed to be( a 3 ounce pie does not feed a family of four for a DAY!@! I feel they misrepresent themselves and when questioned they are rude.
well, i was thinking about trying it……but i have read more good than bad……think i will just try some other way to make it……
I have been purchasing AFM food for the past three months, I can’t complain about the food. It has helped us out and I believe I couldn’t buy some of it cheaper at Walmart or Krogers. I have purchase the fruit box in Dec. and it was awesome!!!! The T-Bone steak boxes were great too. As well as the 10 lbs. of chicken breasts. Some of the rib eye steaks were a little grissley but hey I have gotten some at Walmart worse than that.
It has altogether been a great experience for my family. I have recommended it to others.
I am trying to get my church to become a site for AFM. If not oh well. Maybe I will change churches. To one that are participants.
In this economy not everyone can afford top quality. If so maybe they make too much money and should share with those who are less fortunate. But wait maybe they aren’t very good CHRISTIANS.
If you look at the latest headlines about AFM you will see the leaders have been paid huge amounts of money the last couple of years, and have given themselves a loan of over 1 million dollars. That does not sound like a servant ministry.
Judy, I agree. You can get a bad cut of meat anywhere or a problem with something else at a local grocery store. AFM regardless of the problems is still a blessing to those REALLY needing to cut back and save. I agree that those who can afford to be so picky need to shop elsewhere.
This country is hurting and things continue to get worse. Those complaining might someday wish they had AFM to feed their family!
I was raised by a Mother who endured the great depression and she knew the value of a dollar. My Mother told me stories of being hungry. There were times in her childhood she went to bed crying with hunger.
I am quite frugal and can’t buy the amount of food with meat for less ANYWHERE. We have never had a problem with the meats or produce. Once in a while they do need to make a substitution for an item, never had a problem with that either. We got a Mrs. Smith’s pumpkin pie this month, FULL size pie, not tiny as described by someone above.
Dessert is not a necessity.
The Church we pick up from is always very pleasant and helpful. There are times there might be an item we wouldn’t use in our box, we hand it back to them so it can added to a box for someone in need, No waste.
As far as the FBI and AFM. That is none of my business! You see, a true Christian is not going to judge them for things we know nothing about. That is God’s job as detailed in the Bible. God makes it clear you are not to judge others. Spreading rumors and bearing false witness is also in the Bible.
I was taught if I couldn’t say something nice, to say nothing! Some of you could use this advice. There are people in REAL NEED in this Country right now that may be scared away by some of the nasty comments made here. In Reality, the food is good and it helps people. Just don’t expect a filet mignon for the price a chicken liver.
Can I add an “Amen” to the above comment?! I’ve been using AFM for the past six months now, and have found it to be such a blessing to my family that I mention it to as many folks I can– with things the way they are today, can we really afford to be so picky?
I also share the food with others in need, which blesses me in return….this is what Christians are supposed to do, is it not?
To all the “nay-sayers” I’d like to ask: How often have you purchased a bag of produce/fruit at the grocery store and had a few to throw into the garbage, once you opened the bag?? “rot” just happens, no matter where the items are purchased!
Over all, we have been VERY PLEASED with the food from AFM and will continue to mention their services to others.
While the “distribution point” is not MY church, it give me a good feeling to know that the boxes purchased will help this small church as well. May God bless Lighthouse Church of God in Rabun, Alabama, in their efforts to help those in their community!
Angel Food in this area (west Texas) has really gone downhill quality-wise in the past few months. I quit using it about 2 months ago and my mom picked up her last order yesterday and won’t be reordering. Two reasons for our disenchantment (1) the lack of value and (2) the unhealthy eating style it promotes.
The meat products were so full of gristle, fat and waste so that the usable meat is negligible. My moment of revelation was when I took a couple of the quick frozen split chicken breasts and cooked them down for stock; when I was cleaning off the meat and discarding the fat, skin etc the pile of actual chicken meat I ended up with was the eqivalent of ONE skinless, boneless chicken breast out of a package of chicken I had purchased at Albertson on a buy one get one free offer. The shelf stable milk and the eggs are about the only thing I find of acceptable quality. The frozen vegetables are wretched. And the processed food is … well processed. The sad thing is that I don’t remember the quality being so awful a year or two ago when we first started with Angel Food. I know that I can take my $30 and buy a lot healthier food that cooks from scratch and tastes better.
My mother was recently diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in addition to which her cholesterol was found way too high so she has gone over the offerings in Angel Food with a very critical eye as to health and Angel Food pretty much flunked. She is committed to controlling her diabetes with diet and not become drug dependent to deal with it. We went item by item on the menu and very very little of it was acceptable.
$30 will buy a lot of lentils, lean chicken (used as a condiment instead of an entree) and veggies and fruits IN SEASON …. much tastier and healthier then Angel Foods current offerings. Too bad – it seemed like a good idea when first introduced.
My husband and I have 5 small children. We were spending about $800 per month in groceries. Since using AFM (3 regular boxes, 1 fruit and veg box, 1-2 extra meat boxes) we are spending $130 on AFM and about $200 per month at the grocery store! That’s $330 per month instead of $800 per month! The food is high quality. There have only been a few things we didn’t eat, and that was just based on our personal tastes, not because there was anything wrong with the food. The steaks we have received have been high quality, restaurant grade–even tastier than I would splurge for at the store! I’ve been using my crock pot a lot with the meats, and we’ve never received “bad” or “rotten” foods. I have recommended it to all my sister-in-laws, and we’re using the money we’re saving for a family cruise!!
My family started using AFM last Sept. The regular boxes had some items which were not so great while the produce boxes were fantastic. We purchased some of the meat specials which were actually pretty good and the few tougher pieces of meat we cooked down into stews, etc. Overall we were seeing a large savings in our groceries.
Starting in Dec./Jan. the meat which we started receiving in a black backed wrapper was injected with preservatives or something. As much as we tried to wash it, boil it, etc. we could not rid the meat of this horrible taste. This last order we received, did not have the same quality of pork chops we had been receiving but the same poor quality of meat… also in a black wrapper.
I brought it to the attention of those managing the Distribution Center, who told me that they guessed I could contact AFM. I sent an e-mail to AFM and asked them to try the meat out for themselves and see if they could get past the smell and taste enough to eat it.
When we had to throw out all of the meat specials boxes and now all the meat and pork from the regular boxes, we are not saving but actually losing money.
I have also just heard about GreatFoodForAll, which appears to have a better menu, informs people on their site that the meat isn’t injected, and also has a site where you can obtain all of the ingredients and preparation information for the items in their boxes. I understand that the Distribution Centers receive twice the amount of compensation/box than AFM. So, I will now patiently wait until GFFA reaches my area and hope I will fare much better.
Wow! So many unhappy people. Guess they didn’t get 16 ounce ribeyes for $1.00. I would have to say go to your local market and see how much $30.00 will get you. I also believe the people gripping have money enough to buy at the store without too much worry. But people on a strict budget need this service. I also believe they are NOT Christian. Many earlier comments say it all. God does not teach us to be this way to our fellow man. If Wingo is guilty or not is God’s judgement. The ministry is blessed. I also have received rotten foods from the big name stores. When packed, all produce is good. But it only takes a few days for one piece to go bad and ruin the whole bag. Like all this bad mouthing of a God send for many, a few comments will ruin this for many. They never promised USDA prime. In fact many brand name companies package for smaller companies without putting the name brand on the package. We just started and have found nothing wrong with the products. Yes this country of abundance is to spolied. Gluttony runs wild. EVERYTHING has to be top quality for minimal price. All I am asking is that if you are Christian, think of what your saying.
I am an AFM Host Site Director and I am very pleased with the food. Our family orders every month, as does most of our church and over 300 families have ordered in over a years time. I have several regular customers, that order every month. I have people who order once and I never see them again. I have had a few people complain about certain items and if they do it quickly I will contact Angel Food and let them know and see if there is something that can be done for them, to make up for the problem. I have had someone contact me 3 or 4 months after receiving an order (and using it all) to complain, and I simply cannot do anything about that. I do want to know if there is an issue, and do whatever we can to make it right. Our Host Site has even made it right for people ourselves. We use the benevolence funds to buy food and give to needy families and the local food pantry, and a missionary in Haiti. I have had people with tears in their eyes say “Thank you all for doing this, I do not know what we would do without Angel Food”. When I get discouraged and falsely accused, as one woman did by saying we were just doing this for the money, no one at our Host Site is paid one penny for all the work done here to make Angel Food happen every month, I just remember the tears in the eyes of those precious people and keep on doing what I can to bless people with some savings on their groceries.
PS. I have never had any of the awful substitutions mentioned here in all the time we’ve done AFM. There have been substitutions but they were good ones and a comparible value. I would make sure to report that directly to AFM, because I would hope that Host Sites are not doing anything underhanded or wrong. I tell people give Angel Food a try, what can it hurt? Thank you all, and God Bless.
I have done everything in my power to get the Woodstock/Canton pickup area investigated, with no luck and I am sure this writing won’t acomplish anything either. I PAID in advance and my check was cashed imediately but when I went to pick up my box (for my children Ifor XMAS as they are unemployed)I was told that they had changed the pickup to a prior week and not only could I not get my money back I could not get credit and pick one up the next month. They were rude and downright thieves. The owners and originators of this multi-million dollar scam should be kicked out of their mansions and made to live homeless or better still life in prison, think they could get some angel food boxes delivered to the slammer. I would give anything if we scammed people could get together and jail them for life. I live on retirement and get really boiling mad about people stealing from and scamming me. Can we band together and get justice?
Contact Angel Food Ministries
Call our new 24-hour hotline for answers
to common questions, including menu information
and host site contact information
1-877-FOOD-MINISTRY (1-877-366-3646)
Office Phone: 770-267-7015 or 888-819-3745
Fax: 770-267-8031
Email: angelfood@angelfoodministries.com
Mail: P.O. Box 128 Good Hope, Georgia 30641
I’ve sent a few emails today to let AFM know about the problems being reported in this blog and the link to the blog itself. I just think if word never gets back to the ministry headquarters, then nothing will ever be done to correct potential problems at some of the distribution sites.
The AFM host site director (a few comments above) is right–call your center as soon as possible if there is a problem with food, but if you have done that and they didn’t/couldn’t take care of the problem, then contact the headquarters and let them know. Keep contacting them until you get a response, but if no response comes, you could then contact your local media. But it shouldn’t have to come to that, in my opinion.
This is my third time getting a box here in Buffalo, NY. I am very pleased with my items so far. I got a box of fruit and vegetables for my mom and she liked it so much that this month my wife wants us to get a box of fruit and vegetable.One thing for sure is that if there is something in my box that I dont want, one of my children will eat it for sure.
I saw afm workers steal boxes of steaks and
give away boxes of food to staff employees.
I never went back.
Here’s my 2 cents. Frankly, I don’t believe Ted (comment #143). First and foremost, if Ted saw this going on, HE should have confronted them and if nothing was done to correct the situation, then he should have contacted AFM headquarters and/or the police. It is morally wrong to just ignore a crime being committed. And, just how did you know that this supposed stealing was going on?
Second, did you not know that the distribution centers do not have AFM workers or AFM staff employees? The centers that distribute the food are made up of volunteers, probably many of them church members, if the center is at a church. Also, some of the volunteers buy their own food boxes.
I think Ted is a typical example of someone who comes to these forums to stir up trouble and should just be ignored. Shame on you! This ministry is providing a valuable service to many people who need the help. For some, it really means whether or not they will have food on the table in that last week of the month.
There are some here that have had genuine problems with some of the food they have received. Maybe something good could come from the discussion on this forum, but I can certainly tell you that nobody needs some mealy-mouthed punk to come here and spout outright lies!
To Ted!
ONLY volunteers from the Churches hand out the food, nobody from AFM is there!
Did you know that some people pay for boxes to be donated to others? Maybe that is what you saw! Judge NOT and don’t assume as someone said above. At our Church we have a lady who pays for a couple boxes of food and they donate it to the homeless shelter. They also deliver it to the shelter. They could have have been taking it to a family in need. That could be what you saw OR maybe, just maybe those volunteers were taking home boxes they PAID for. We have volunteers who buy it so they load their’s in their own car when they are finished handing out the boxes.
They only recieve the number of boxes they pay for in advance so there is nothing left unless someone doesn’t pick it up. IF it is left they always donate to someone in need.
They do NOT get extra boxes of food! ONLY what is paid for in advance.
Now, I’ll tell you we buy from AFM and not one thing has been rotted, meat has never been inserted with anything to make it taste bad.
I Thank God each night we are able to buy our groceries this cheap! I know thousands of other families feel the same way. As said Many times, if you don’t like it, buy somewhere else!!!!!
To the lady who can buy plenty of HEATHY food for 30.00, go for it but stop spreading discontent here. I spend less than 150.00 a month to feed my entire family and that is fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, beans, rice and whatever else we are blessed to get. I can NOT buy enough food to feed my family without it and many are in the same boat!!!!!!!!!
I have seen others already say this but I’ll repeat it. Times are really bad, families are hurting. Do you have any idea how many people are without jobs?????
People need help and for many this is a true blessing!
The contact info has been posted here for those who really need to contact AFM but for the love of God, don’t call out of spite or because you are too picky for your own good!
God help us if things get so bad that even those bad mouthing AFM feels blessed enough to just accept it without casting all these stones!
People need to recognize that discount grocery stores provide the same reduction of prices, and they’re not vainly labeling themselves as a charity!
Not everyone has those so called discount stores with those fabulously cheap prices like you do where they can feed a family of 4 for 30.00 per week. I know we don’t. My sister shops sales only, buy one get one free deals, dollar stores and still can’t feed herself and her husband for 30.00 a week and they don’t eat much meat, they can’t afford to. You can say what you like but unless you live all the USA you can’t tell people they can do better.
This is getting to be ridiculous! All you people putting down how WE shop and you don’t know everything. Stop making people think just because you Claim to be able to do better that they can!
Prices vary all over this country and not everyone has the same stores. By the way, AFM is appreciated by more people than the ones complaining on here. I agree with the others, don’t buy it if you don’t like it but lay off the insults and degrading.
I was introduced to AFM by a donation. I have bought a couple months worth in the past as well. Today I am paying it forward and donating a box to someone in need.
AFM is a wonderful benefit. However, it is only for those who aren’t proud, picky and ungrateful. I think it’s fair that if someone has a “bad” experience, they should share it. However, AFM is not claiming to be anyone’s savior. They are just an organization that is geared strictly to help with food. Some of you may not realize that you can “minister” without shoving religion or faith down someone’s throat. This is an organization that does just that and they choose mostly churches as distribution points with volunteers welcoming the chance to help.
Anyway, I digress. The quality is great. Unless you do all your shopping at a butcher, an orchard, an organic food market or grow your own foods, then you really shouldn’t knock it because the food you buy at the market is not “fresh” either. It makes me wonder why those putting AFM down turned to them in the first place rather than the local food bank. For those of you who are curious and haven’t ordered from them yet, the food is great quality. What you get is not a month’s worth but provides food to make several meals. If you spent that same amount in the store, you would only get be able to get things like a pkg. of meat, milk, bread, cereal, eggs, etc – the “essentials” – which WON’T make several meals). They do have the right to make substitutions, which I have dealt with before but that’s understood considering all the food and being short of store donations to AFM (that’s right, store). And if you aren’t interested in a “religion”, think of it as only a hub. It is not a ploy to market anything, just people helping you period.
We used AFM this past month for the first time. I usually shop at Publix and for us its been well worth it. We are using it to save money, my husband works in construction and future prospects at this time are not good. I first heard about this group in a e-news letter I subscribe too. The produce was top notch 100% top of the line. I don’t know what these others are complaining about. By not shopping in the grocery store I am saving money by not impulse buying. I have dropped off our order for the end of the month and can’t wait to see what is in our box…I hope the recent problems with the company don’t affect the program. I feel blessed to have heard of this wonderful ministry and hope to continue with them forever!!
I just started getting the AFM boxes. We did the main box, fruits and veggies and the steak box last month. I really like it. The fruits and veggies box is an excellent deal. You can’t buy half of that in a store for that price.
To the person who said $30 will buy a lot of lentils and chicken, not in my area. Chicken is outrageously expensive these days. Thirty bucks will maybe get you 6 lbs fresh, 10 lbs frozen. They just started offering an allergen-free box mostly made up of chicken cuts.
I have gorwning kids and the prices in the grocery store are out of site. I found Angel food 6 Months ago and I will NOT go back to the store unless I really have to. I spent an averge of $650 a MOnth at the Store as we ate beans rice and loads of high fat CHEAP food.. WIth Angel food we have meat and Veggies as well as the starches Like rice and pastas.. $30 a week Plus the produce pack I LOVE IT sweet potatoes as well as russet My Gorcery bill is now $300 a month and we are eating a LOT better than we did before.
I think this is a great way for anyone to help with the monthly food bill. I’ve been ordering for the last 2 months & all of the food we have received has been good and filling. The specials fill our need.
I was thinking of using this services but read the linked article:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29574290/
In summary; if you thing Wall Street is bad, try this one out:
In 2006, the ministry reported revenue of $96 million dollars and $17 million in expenses. Tax records from that year show the Wingos and two of their sons earned a combined total in excess of $2.1 million for leading the ministry, up from just less than a combined $323,000 a year earlier.
I’ve only tried AFM once and that was a year ago when it was only $25 then. I didn’t think it was that great. I am a bargain shopper by heart so I was very anxious to try this. There was a lot of stuff we don’t like/eat so it wasn’t a great deal.(and I like most things) The chicken fajita strips were gross. Nobody in my family ate them. Even the apples were not good, they were mushy so I made cooked apples out of them. Some kind of sausage bangor things that were gross and we also don’t even frozen lasagna or fake hamburger helper type stuff. I probably did get my $25 worth but I think I can do better getting stuff we actually eat shopping sales at the regular grocery store.
I’ve read all of the above comments and I have to say.. you people are getting “Had”. Yeah sure you get to pay $30 for cheap food, but my God… you are getting the worst cuts of meat and salt-filled death.
I read the passage of one guy who said something about Jesus feeding people with loaves of bread and them not worrying about nutritional information… well I respond with this, this is 2009AD, not 29AD… we DO worry about those things… people ARE worried about Saturated Fat intake… about everything they put into their bodies.
Even if you have absolutely next to no money, most places have food pantries… many of which are run by churches (I donated to one last week) or by volunteers… just go to one of those to get cheap or free food… that’s palatable and healthy!
And to answer one the of guy’s comments about spending 30$ at a store and getting a lot of groceries I respond like this:
Don’t buy name brand… instead of buying veggies… grow your own! Yeah your meat selection may suffer but guess what? It won’t be the Grade F stuff you find with AFM. And you’ll know it BEFORE you buy it!
Instead of buying bread… bake your own bread! Americans nowadays are too darn lazy.. they want cheap items.. yet don’t want to work for said cheap items.
Regarding AFM and their questionable business practices… I take issue with a non-profit organization paying themselves more than the president makes in a year. If anything a non-profit only should pay their workers and themselves THE AVERAGE pay for that particular job… not 600k +! You people coming to their defense need to wake up and do the research! It’s out there, just google it… the news sites aren’t wrong (For once).
And to the “so-called” AFM employees doing damage control… you people make me sick. You people hide behind the veneer of doing God’s work when it’s evident that you are purely in it for the money… while giving good people garbage food. Despicable!
My husband and I started using Angel Food Ministries when he was laid off of work. He is now back to work part time and we continue to purchase foods monthly. We especially like the fruit and veggies–they are always fresh and healthy. This service has helped us to continue to eat healthy. My son and his wife are now purchasing from Angel Foods and are also very happy with everything they have received. Thank you so much and hopefully you can keep up this good work for a long time. Thanks again.
I have been using angel food for about a year now. This ministry is a huge help to my single parent home. I have learned what to order and what not to order. In the past the beef products are fatty, but I’m not a big beef eater…so this is not a big deal to me. The chicken boxes (especially the seasoned chicken breast) are great! I get them everytime they are available. A family of 3 averages $200 – $300 monthly in groceries….my family of 3 along with AFN averages $100 a month. Thank you AFN!
ive been buying afm for about 5 months now feeding 4 adults and it has lowered my grocery bill quite abit. For the record alot of the chicken products are from tyson and i believe that is a name brand product. Also every thing ive recceived has been very good accept for the corn tortilas.I have an aldis and super walmart near my house and cant get 30.00 worth of food to feed 4 adults from them, try double or triple unless i want to live off of beans and potatoes. if you have a problem with afm quit buying from them. For some of us in todays economy this is a blessing there are weeks even with both of us working i would have been hard pressed to feed four of us. thank you afm continue your hard work.
I ordered from AFM for the first time in February. I was very impressed with the quality of the foods that I received. Sure, there were off brands, but what do you expect for $30? I have tried clipping coupons and shopping sales and I still can’t get as much food for the same price at the grocery stores. My husband has been unable to find work since June, so this is a HUGE help for our grocery budget. Yes, we got a fatty looking steak. So what. I have seen worse in the stores! I plan to cut up up to use in a stew. I am now anxiously awaiting my March order.
I have used Angel Foods Ministries for about a year now. I have learned that you have to pick and choose what you arder as some things are excelent and others are of poor quality. I like paying in advance and look forward to the pick up day as I have a load of groceries that are pre paid. The t bone steak boxes that they had in February were GREAT!
Amanda, you mentioned a lot of the AFM’s chicken products are Tyson. Do you know whether or not their breaded chicken tenders are? I was thinking of getting the special 10 lb box that is on for March. Some of the chicken products I have had so far from AFM has comes in a plain clean plastic bad with no writing on it period. The other chicken products I have had from AFM say AFM and lists the nutritional info and cooking instructions on the packaging which to me indicates it is co-branded but gives no clue it is from Tyson or not.
It would be nice if they would actually give you what is on the menu. It seems odd that their salaries went up so much and they raised the price of the boxes from $25 to $30. How are they making so much money when the price of gas and food had gone up so much?
We were substituted a hot pocket for 2.5 pounds of chicken and another hot pocket for 1.5 pounds sausage. We though these meals would be a family dinner and instead were given a snack sandwich. They say you get a bottle of Hawaiin Punch, but they do not say that the bottle is the size for a lunch box. The menu lists dessert item, but it is only a dollar store small cheap pack of cookies every time. Eggs are medium size.
I believe that they do some good, but not exactly $60 worth of groceries.
I have been doing Angel Food Ministries for three years and only missed two months. We love it. By the way the chicken tenders are good. We ordered three main boxes and the chicken tenders. This is my biggest order yet. I would recommend it to anyone. We love the meat. The meat has been good. AFM has helped us to keep food on our table. There is four in our family. I have a nineteen and a fourteen year old kids to feed. So we all like AFm.
angel food has saved my family lots of money each month. its cheaper than walmart. thank you
angel food…god bless
I am an AFM volunteer at my church. Every month I help other volunteers box orders of food. Yes, some months we have to make substitutions from the stated menu: but all substitutions are of equal or higher quality food than stated on the menu.
Yes, there have been problems with the quality of frozen foods that come from the distributor. If you, the buyer of the box, are not satisfied with what you have purchased, either complain directly to AFM or find another way to purchase food inexpensively.
As a volunteer, I handle the food orders with as much care and professionalism as possible. I agree that sometimes the meats do not look appetizing, but it is a food ministry that is very much meat based. For you vegetarians or semi-vegetarians out there, don’t you read the menu that is available before you order.
Bottom line is, if you like what you get-keep on ordering. If not, go to Aldi’s, Costco’s or Sams Club. Or better yet, get back to nature and grow your own food or take up hunting. All that work will leave you little time for complaining.
Hi, I have not taken part in this food program, but my sister has. She shows me weekly menus she has to choose from. Every time I sat down with her and a store circular, I have found that she could have purchased the same products for very close to the $30.00, if not under. Considering there are a few items each week that her family won’t eat, I don’t think it is such a good dealfor her. I personaly buy what is on sale, if this week chicken is on sale and I wanted pork chops, I eat chicken and wait till the chops go on sale. I also have a freezer bag system that allows me to purchase a number of items and freeze them for latter. My final thoughts, You may not be losing with this program, but if you are a savy shopper your not gaining.
I MUST disagree with Jan. We have only
gotten cookies in our VERY FIRST BOX. The
last time it was CREAM CAKE which was delicious
and I was glad that we had ordered 4 boxes, as
it was my birthdayand I didn’t have to bake or
buy a cake. We got the boxes on Saturday and
by Tuesday ALL of that cake was gone.
On the other hand, the roasts we got shrunk up to barely enough for ONE person
let alone FOUR, and not only that, they tasted like they had been soaked in salt water for MONTHS ON END!! The porkchops ARE tough, and could not have been tougher! I cooked them in the crockpot and the dogs couldn’t even chew them. It made them sick.
The sausage IS nasty, but is easily cut up
for dog food! It has helped us out a lot.
I did not expect $6 a pound ribeyes, but
the chicken tenders are the most tender
chicken tenders I have ever had!
I looked over the selections for a couple of months before I decided to order. I estimated what was the average cost for each item I would normally buy on sale and didn’t add in anything I did not regularly use. When I got to $30 and certain things still had to be included, I decided it was worth it to me.
The meat looked as good as most in the supermarket’s meat section. Since both sides are visible, there is no hidden fat. The packaging is just great–ready for the freezer with no reportioning.
Some of the items like macaroni and cheese are not ones on my regular menu but they are staples. Others like the pie are not the apple ones my husband prefers. My point is that you cannot please every person and every taste.
I don’t eat sugared cereal–never even bought it for my four kids when they were growing up–so I passed it on to my granddaughter as a treat. I may never use the pinto beans (don’t know how to properly cook them) but my church collects for a food pantry so it won’t be wasted.
I consider myself am a good shopper. I check circulars and use coupons. I stock my freezer when the price is right. I also stock my kitchen cabinets. I also plan my meals around what is advertised. If I really want something I dream of ordering it in a restaurant but wait until the time is right.
Most people couldn’t put together the package I bought for $30. I agree that the food is not a savings of half what it would cost in a store, but the point is that it is a savings and even perhaps a convenience.
I don’t think I would want to get involved with the produce. I like to go to the store and see what I am getting. There may no longer be fruit and vegetable stores convenient outside the city but I can still size up the items as I bag them. However, I will try the regular box again. I am not sure about the senior meals though. I cannot find enough any nutritional information on the package and I like to know about calories, carbohydrates, protein, etc. (I have searched the internet as well but no luck so far.)
Angel Food Ministries is to be commended for being out there helping in this tough economy. Volunteers are key to saving money in an operation. It is good people helping people not people pushing any religion. It is always there for those who want it.
Thank you to all who care.
I priced the items in April’s regular box and the savings for 3 regular boxes plus 1 special #4 chicken box will come to about $90. No way could we save almost double buying the same items in any grocery store! We do good with coupons, Kroger senior day savings, special discounts at Krogers on items we use (like the buy any 10 items, get $5 off). We can usually save around $40 or more, but never have we come close to saving almost double!
Beginning in April, we’re going to put all the savings from the AFM boxes, coupons, special store discounts, etc. into a savings jar. We’re planning to move within a year or two, so that will go towards the moving expenses. :}
This ministry is wonderful and greatly appreciated! We wouldn’t be able to save any money otherwise!
I found it was a horrible deal, the one month I got it thinking I would have a great stock of chicken, it was the worst quality meat and food I have ever paid for. I am a frugal shopper, I shop the sales and use my coupons, I get high quality brand name foods much cheaper than what I paid $30 for. Never again!
This ministry is under investigation by the FBI. Joe Wingo did grow up poor, but that doesn’t excuse him from paying himself a huge salary. This article and others have been in the Atlanta AJC. Check it out.
http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/stories//2009/02/23/angel_food_ministries.html
I tried the afm boxes for a few months and each time I thought maybe there would be better quality foods the next month. It never happened. I was really disappointed. The food needs to be minimally processed, not all the processed garbage adding to obesity in this country. Other people I have talked to in our area say the same thing. Many of these are families that need good quality food for less. They are people that are laid off or make minimum wage. Maybe certain parts of the country have better quality foods through afm. Our area does not. I am going to try great food for all boxes next month. I am hoping the food is a better quality. And my two dogs would not eat any of the foods from afm if that tells you something.And they are not picky. Maybe the millions of dollars of profit the ministry made could serve to help people’s health, not hurt it.
I get the food with two other friends. We each get a box and sometimes share the fruit and veggie. I had another friend complain about the quality but really, if you know how to cook you can do something with almost anything. I save the breaded chicken patties for when my son’s friends come over. I add the frozen veggies to soups and stews. The steaks and pork might be grissley, but they are otherwise tender with good flavor. I trade the processed turkey meat for my friend’s milk in a box (I LOVE having a extra milk for emergencies.) We pick up and order the same day so it really is not a huge inconvenience. if we are all free, we stop and do lunch on the way–a nice day for the moms. if not, we take turns, so nobody is really ever put out much. If I had to buy the same stuff in my grocery store it would definitely be 20$–maybe better quality, but i can compromise quality this much (and its not BAD quality) to save $20.
BTW–I’ve gotten 4 fruit and veggie boxes and nothing has ever been bad. close to being ripe, yes, but never past its prime.
I buy AFM boxes from time to time. Even though some of it is not of high quality the way it is promoted to always be. I feel like it is still worth $30 and saves some money besides. However, What I have a problem with is the way AFM promotes the boxes as being always of high quality, brand names, restaurant grade meats, and never seconds, etc. I have a much bigger problem with the misleading than I do with the food itself as there is a principle involved.
We started using Angel Food when my husband had major surgery, then was laid off. It has been mostly a good experience-the food has been maybe what I wouldn’t have bought at the supermarket, but it has been a help to our family of 3. Also I noticed one person mentioned you have to deal with a church. I don’t know what state she is from but in my town in PA, there is a social agency who sponsors Angel Food as well as 2 churches.
Please don’t waste your money.nasty steaks. chicken I would’nt feed a dog.SHAME ON YOU for the name you use.you can shop and beat there price, with a lot better items here in KENTUCKY anyway.
I don’t know why you people get so upset about the negative comments displayed here! Everyone has there own opinion! If you liked it don’t worry about what people say and just keep using the program!
tell you why.its bad enough to strugle in life.then have someone hiding behind the lord riping people off.
i think its funny when people complain about getting cheap food that they have to find the right recipe for to make it taste good but will go to a restraunt pay 30 dollars for the same food and tip the waiter/waitress another ten .when your shelves are empty and your jobs gone this is truely a godsend. ive bought from aldis krogers dollar stores and its the same anywhere you go. ive gotten chicken not on sale at krogers when i opened it at home it was spoiled ive gotten meat from krogers on sale that has been hit with red dye to make it look good only to turn brown the next day and smell bad by the afternoon. ive gotten vegetables from different stores with the same results, if you shine something wet something down it looks better and they charge more for the same food.im sorry but when you dont have 50 dollars to put to food when your city has lost over half their jobs , when your babies are crying from hunger then tell me how bad the food is. it seems the ones who complain havent had to sit at night feeding their kids the last bit of soup and doing without themselves.yes i want good food for my kids and if its more then a pack of crackers and a can of soup split between 3 of them then i thank angel food for thinking of more then themselves thank you to them for making sure my kids get something to stop the hunger in their bellies.if i can only use half of an orange then at least theyre getting that . how many stores do you know will collect their old shelf food or day old bread and give it to you or your families rather then sell it to you for double what it should cost?and angel foods isnt day old , its funny anytime anyone tries to do anything for others some people pick it apart till they feel theres no point in even trying to help.if you dont like the food fine go elsewhere and buy it if you like it fine praise it.when my son was in galviston bay during a hurricane it was angel food there helping them with meals when kentucky was in total darkness from freezing storms no food no electric it was angel food bringing meals to them 42000 lbs of fresh food and fruit serving 8000 hot meals to people with no electric.their always there when the disasters are where are you? i say God bless them for doing good in the world we could use alot more of these
I got a box from AFM and it was ok.. I think I could have done better at Save-A-Lot or Aldis with my 30 bucks. Right now I dont have the extra 30 bucks to spare to get another box becasue i need the food now not in 3 weeks. Over all I would do it again if i had the extra money. I know that sounds silly but i get paid once a month as a state worker so its hard..
We have 5 children ranging in age 1 to 12. Although we both work full-time, the economy has hit all of us in some way. I am also a full-time student working toward getting a masters in social work. I know my purchases benefit the local church and I’m thrilled about that because this church is totally committed to the community. The quality of food is excellent in my opinion. I am a bargain shopper and can get sales on some items. With 5 kids I take advantage of all angles! The AFM produce is actually better than we can get in the stores locally. Everyone has different tastes so there will always be items you don’t find the best but overall we are so pleased. I find a money savings in the fact that I don’t go to the grocery as often so avoid unplanned buys. If anyone can do a better program for less, I know our communities would be glad to accept your assistance but I fully support AFM!
MY FAMILY HAS BEEN ORDERING FROM ANGEL FOOD FOR 3 YEARS NOW. THERE HAVE BEEN TIMES THAT THE FOOD IS A BETTER QUALITY OR VALUE THAN OTHERS, BUT OVER ALL WE HAVE BEEN VERY HAPPY.
OVER THREE YEARS I HAVE PERSONALLY TALKED TO MANY, MANY PEOPLE THAT HAVE BEEN BLESSED BY THE MINISTRY.
MY SUGGESTION IS THAT IF YOU DID NOT LIKE THE SERVICE YOU RECIEVED, CHECK OUT OTHER HOST SITES IN YOUR AREA. IF YOU RECIEVE ONE OR TWO ITEMS YOUR FAMILY WON’T USE, LEAVE THEM WITH THE HOST SITE FOR THEM TO PASS ON TO SOMEONE WHO HAS NOTHEING & WILL MAKE USE OF ANYTHING THEY CAN! MOST ALL OF THE HOST SITES HELP PEOPLE THAT NEED IT!
I WOULD ALSO ENCOURAGE ANYONE TO CHECK OUT THE WEBSITE & MENU! WHEN WE STARTED WITH AFM WE HAD 1 REGULAR BOX AND 3 SPECIALS TO ORDER FROM…THE MENU HAS COME A LONG WAY!!
MOST (IF NOT ALL)HOST SITES ARE HAPPY TO HAVE VOLUNTEERS. CHECK IT OUT! IT CAN BE VERY REWARDING TO HELP OTHERS!!
Angel Food is great for those of us at least thirty five miles from the nearest grocery store. Yes you could find great bargins buy going store to store in a big city but here the gas costs kill us. We use Angel Food here because our town lost our grocery store and the drive to the next town makes a loaf of bread around five dollars. we have had good luck with all the food and if there is something we don’t like we trade. But if it were not for these type programs the rural community here in North Iowa would suffer
just got home with my march 21st order of chicken tenders and guess what? packages have a use by march 14 date.e mailed afm but will never hear from them. last time we purchase from afm rip-off
Don’t throw away your chicken tenders yet. I thought you could use raw meat or freeze it by the “use by” date, and if frozen, the meat would be good for several months.
I guess they don’t consider this to be expired meat as long as they have frozen it by the “use by” date? Can’t say I like the idea of getting meat that has been frozen by its expiration date, but I’d still eat it since it’s still good.
I never checked the “use by” dates on the meats in our (December 2008) box, but didn’t have any problem with them.
If you’re still uncomfortable using the meat, and afm doesn’t contact you by email, you could still call them directly.
Hey, Angel foods is going to jail. Love people who use gods name to make several million and don’t pay any taxes. Gee, wonder what gods saying now…..
Yeah, I saw this and other articals: http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/stories/2009/02/12/angel_food_fbi.html
The founder was in jail for stealing money and looks like he’s doing it again!
I have ordered twice now and have found everything to be of good quality. The meat was excellent. I thought the chicken nuggets were going to be processed chicken meat, but they were pieces of the chicken tenders. Excellent. I split a box of fruit/veggies with a friend and once again, everything was great. The pineapple was so delicious! I have not had any problem with rotten food and I order in Maine! With the high prices of groceries in this state, this is an excellent deal.
By the way, I am an atheist, but since they sell to everyone and anyone I have no qualms purchasing from Angel Foods.
Well tonight we had the “filet mingon” The
bacon they were wrapped in was VERY nasty and
the steak itself was tough, more like “mystery
meat”. Don you were lucky to get your box on
3-21. We had to wait till 3-28 for ours. Our
next pick up date is Saturday, 3-28. I am looking forward to is as I ordered 3 boxes of
Chicken Tenders. Those are about the only thing that the dogs don’t get to sample unless
I make one for them specifically. So far almost ALL of the beef has been nasty, except
for some hamburgers we got in an earlier box.
If this trend continues, I will still buy afm
boxes, but will donate the unwanteds to a food
pantry. The mac n cheese is very good and I
think they buy some of the foods from Sav A Lot. I have emailed them telling them how they could do better and have better products
in the boxes, but so far I have gotten NO RESPONSE. Has anyone here emailed them and
gotten a response?
Yes, I emailed customer service Tuesday evening (March 24) regarding the expired chicken tenders mentioned by Don in message #185 and received a response the next day. Here is the response from Harry Michaels:
**********
From:
“Harry Michaels”
Dear Linda, I am Head of Procurement at AFM and I am sorry that you have seen some negative posts about us. I can assure you that the Tenders that were used for the Special Box are the ONLY item on the Menu that was not made to order for us. These were purchased thru a Broker that assured me there were no use by dates with the product. Now, when a Cold Storage ships out product and they do not QC the product and our QC Department should have caught this before the product went out the door. The only way I can try to explain how this happed is by the way the pallet of product was configured. These out of date boxes may have been stacked in the middle of the pallet and there would be no way of know about this issue unless the whole pallet was inspected which would have occurred if a problem was suspected.
I can assure you that this vendor will not be used again and that our quality vendors make our product to order so that we can assure the best and freshest quality. God Bless, Harry
**********
Oops! I cut off the email:
Harry.Michaels@angelfoodministries.com
I used to buy Angel Food every month but found I could do much better at Aldi’
and farmers markets. It was
great at first but there is only so much rice and beans you can eat. I ended up with a cupboard full of unused products.
WOW Linda, that was fast. I am still waiting
on a response. I still think that since they
can buy i bulk they could get that GOVERNMENT
CHEESE that everyone speaks so highly of. I
sure would like to try a pound or two of that!
With the April Boxes we will buy I plan to donate the Pizzas back to them. We do not eat
Pepperoni, or Pork, and I am sure with them being “Supreme” they will have Pepperoni on
them. I think if we could get Wal-Mart on the band wagon, we could get better filet mingnons. I agree with the posts about all
the rice and dry beans. I wouldn’t mind having their Hawaiian Punch substituted for the beans or for the rice for that matter,
as their Hawaiian Punch was better than the
one you buy in the store and it seemed to have had a better flavor to it. Really to
me they could buy the store brand frozen
bread loaves and have those instead of all
the “All Meat Franks” which contain PORK!
Plus I believe the box would THEN feed 4 for
a week. Maybe if enough of us complain the
boxes would ge better? Just a thought!
I think the food could have some healthier options, but as a single lady,it’s been a Godsend. It lasts me all month. I agree with the steaks being tough, but after I sear them, I cut them up for soup or stew and it became very tender (also stretched the number of meals and I ate less meat/more veggies.) All in all, I’d say it was worth it, but I’d like to see them cut out the fries and replace with pinto beans, for example. I’ve always had great luck with the veggie box. I’d complain to the local pick up place if it was molded.
I have ordered for the last two months and it has saved me alot at the grocery store. The fresh fruit & veggies have lasted the whole month without waste as thet have come in in excellent condition. I ordersd a extra specialty box this month and will pick my food up tomorrow. Most products are produced in the USA except the cereal. I would like to see all products manufactured here. Other than that,I do not have anything negative to say about this ministry and hope, in better times,I can help someone else. Jobs are hard to find now and times are only getting worse. I suspect that Angel Food Ministries will grow as the economy only worsens. Lets keep this ministry in our prayers.
We order from Angel Food Ministries every month. We like it so much that we order 5 boxes to feed our family of 7. Our family has been blessed by Angel food and I refer them to everyone I know! Thank you Angel Food Ministries. God Bless!
I am very disppointed! I got spoiled ham that I wouldn’t even feed my dog. I guess it is true about the CEOs of the company. I got this to try it out and while maybe other families have gotten better packages, mine was not worth it at all. I can go to the dollar store and get fresher food which I will do from now on. This is hardly the type of meat I would give to dog then to feed to a human. Again it was not worth my 30 bucks, because I had to throw out the meat because it was spoiled. A shopper is truly better off with some coupons, a dollar store, or going to a local church for food help. I will pray extra hard for those CEOs of Angel Min.
I have been using AFM boxes for about a year now. I feel that they are good quality and a great bargain, especially when coupled with the specials. I think the specials are a key factor in this whole food deal. The ribeyes are fantastic, the bacon wrapped fillets are really good if you don’t cook them to death, and I LOVE the bacon wrapped chicken. I have only had an occasional steak be a bit grisly but I’ve had that at grocery stores also! The breaded chicken tenders and fillets have been awesome – though sometimes, like this month, ours got substituted for regular unbreaded chicken tenders, which actually was fine with me. This way I can utilize them in many more ways. You have to understand when you purchase that sometimes there will be substitutes! I love the fresh fruit and produce boxes but you certainly need to plan to use the products they, like any other produce, will not last forever – so get busy using ‘em when you get ‘em! You can’t just ignore them and leave them to sit around for days and days and weeks even! The Christmas fruit box was awesome and the holiday specials are excellent too. My roasting hen at Thanksgiving was soooooooo good! Love those ’southern’ sides – they need very little if any additional seasoning. Even the senior meals are pretty darned good and perfect for a senior citizen to make sure that they are eating balanced meals. Don’t know why some have good experiences and others bad – hopefully your host site is handling the food properly and keeping things frozen and refrigerated during the transfers and all, but I’m a BIG advocate for Angel Food Ministries – totally LOVE Angel Food Ministries!!!! Thank God for them.
I have been purchasing AFM since my husband was laid off in August ‘08. It has been a god send. The main box and one side lasts us well into three weeks (just the two of us) and saves us $200-$300 per month. You have to sometimes get creative with the meats and we haven’t had a bad meal yet. The only problem I have is getting foods with no cooking instructions: ie pumpkin pie, pineapple pie, ready made meat loaf and gravy, etc. I’ve been guessing with these and it’s been so far so good!
Mary, my breaded chicken tender box gor substituted too for the regular chicken tenders. I had never tried the breaded chicken tenders before but the special box said it would be 10lbs of them. The regular chicken tenders was not 10lbs, closer to 7-8 lbs when I weighed them. Do you or anyone else reading this know whether or not the usual 10lb breaded chicken tenders box actually weighs 10lbs or is it 7-8lbs like the regular ones are? Just wanted to know for future reference in case I decide to order them the next time they are a special again. Thanks.
We tried AFM out for the first time this weekend and were very pleased. I am a frugal shopper and truly found the amount spent was much cheaper than regular stores(especially all the meat).
We got a Meat box in addition to the regular box. That night we had some chicken, brats and ribs. They were great! The steaks looked yummy as well. Tonight will be the porkchops.
I will order next month. This will be helpful in this economy.
Angel Food is a blessing. We participate in Delaware and have yet to find any food that I consider sub-standard.
Summertime brings grills out & stocking up on the special boxes has our freezer full. I’ve no complaints regarding the meats, the kids love the chicken tenders & breaded patties.
We, too, have been able to help others in tighter situations with food because AFM has helped us keep our own cupboards stocked.
I tell everybody to come join us.
Yes, it is administered by a local church. I am not a member of that church yet they have welcomed me with open arms and have not made any attempts to push or pressure me regarding church or ANYTHING else.
Great program and I am a pleased AFM customer & volunteer.
Wow, if people dont like it they can buy elsewhere but don’t need to bash someone who is helping lots of people.
I purchase the Allery Free box due to the fact we have a Celiac child. The allergy box was great and I have no complaints especially since chicken nuggets cost 6.99 for 6 oz at Whole foods (whole paycheck). Yes it is all breaded and I wish there were some non-breaded stuff but I’m not going to bash Angel Foods for that.
Thanks AFM for taking time to look in to an allergy alternative since our food prices tend to be close to 400% HIGHER than the average non allergy family. We did not ask to have Celiac Disease on our family and get tired of not being able to participate in lots of food acivities or eating out on a regular basis due to the expense of actual GF restaurants and not being able to do a quick meal out due to the GF menu’s available.
Thank you, I love the food. The horse meat was the best.Thank you God for such fine and honest people and the loop holes you can hide from with a 501-c
OMG,is that why the FBI came in on angel food? Thats awful.Is a 501-c that form to get around paying tax’s.I got a box of mac/and cheese it was of high quality,right up there with dollar store and save a lot.Wonder how much KICK BACK those lieing preachers get?
LEAVE ANGEL FOOD ALONE THEY HAVE TO DO SOMETHING WITH THAT FOOD THATS ABOUT TO SPOIL.WHO ELSE COULD THEY PAWN THIS CRAP OFF ON? (LEAVE THEM ALONE) I HOPE SOMEONE FORCES YOU TO EAT GOOD FOOD. JUST LEAVE THEM ALONE!!!! YOU TO BRITTNEY……
I am on month #3 of AFM. I have found so far it to be a good value for my hard-earned money, especially in this time of economic crisis. I have learned to make-do with what I have and after all, isn’t that the heart of being frugal? I am thankful for this program to help me pinch every penny I earn. This program helps supplement my shopping at Aldi. I prepare most of my meals from scratch and am always looking for new ways to prepare the food I have on hand.
I posted the other day stating the 10lb special chicken tender box/bag did not weigh 10 lbs and for future reference, I wondered if this was normal. This weekend out of the blue, I got a call from my AFM host church apologizing and saying the day I picked up my order there was some confusion and those like me who had ordered the chicken tender box special were supposed to get two bags of chicken tenders but instead were mistakenly only given one bag. Obviously, the bags were 5 lbs each. When I weighed them to get some kind of idea what they weighed, the bag appeared it might be up to 7-8 lbs. But then these were very old scales and never have matched my doctor’s so it was not possible to get an accurate read. They wanted me to come get the other bag and I did. Needless to say, I feel a whole lot better now about the whole ordeal. I know in my heart now I did get what I paid for and the matter was handled well.
We tried it once and found that we spend way more than we would at the grocery store. I’m a couponer so they were overpriced and lower quality than what I can get. I guess if your not a couponer or you have a small family it would save you a trip to the store. Overall, I’d say all around bad deal for our family of 8
I checked local prices(which are very reasonable) and you definitely save some money here. Also, the food quality is very good.
I ordered again, same poor quality.could not find exp date on the meat.chicken nuggets had no meat in them. I will pray for afm.mean while save your money and buy food you can eat.
please read Matthew ch.21 verse 12-13!
We’ve ordered twice from AFM and have our 3rd order in but not delivered yet. So far our meat has been very good. Mostly beef and some chicken, but I don’t rely on this totally, but supplement. For example, I went and specifically bought some fish at the store.
I’ve found in the 3 months we’ve been ordering that if you plan what you’re getting and supplement it’s not bad.
I’ve had 3 tangerines I had to throw away because they were bad after two weeks – we didn’t eat them fast enough and I ended up throwing away a head of cabbage – hated to do it but we just don’t eat cabbage very well. I had good intentions of using it, but just never did before it spoiled. My fault – not theirs.
I will probably pare down though because I’m diabetic and my husband has just been diagnosed pre-diabetic and so I have to be a little more choosy with our diet.
But here in Missouri (just outside of St. Louis) it has been a very good deal. Several friends have purchased from AFM for quite a long time and love it.
Thanks!
My husband and I are “financially challenged” newlyweds and were introduced to the Angel Food program by his mom. We’ve ordered from them twice thus far; the first time we only ordered the senior meal package, and the second time we ordered the senior meals plus the fruit/veggie box. I don’t care much for the senior meals (I’ll admit that I’m a rather picky eater) but my husband loves them so we’ve continue to order them.
I was very pleased with the fruit and veggie box, though. Everything was fresh and in great condition. Over a month later, we’re actually still working on finishing some of the fruits and veggies.
Overall, I think that this program provides a useful and relatively inexpensive supplement to one’s diet, although I don’t believe it’s a complete grocery system by itself.
March was my first experience with angel food. I got the regular box and the fruit and vegetable box. I felt that it was a pretty good value. The fruit box was very fresh and tasty. We have had fun trying the different meats and things in the regular box. I have not found anything that we have not liked yet.
I encouraged my parents’ church to start doing AFM because the prices of the supermarket’s items where they live. Last month was the first time I ordered from Angel Food, and I have my second order in already. I was happy with the food service quality food. I recognized most of the styles from when I worked as a cook. I am still working on the meat portions from last month’s order. But for me and my son, it was perfect. However, I wish they would include more shelf stable milk. As for the chicken tenders 10 lb box, they have to be fried, which isn’t all that healthy, but fine if you eat it in moderation.
My family and I are thinking about ordering through Angel Food Ministries. My question is this…if your vegetables, fruits or what have you are rotten (or almost there) have you brought it to the AFM attention immediately? If so, what is their response?
Our church used to do afm until we found out about another food program called “GREAT FOOD FOR ALL”. Their prices are the same as afm but the food quallity is much better. All their steaks are Omaha steak company steaks, and come UN-SEASONED. Their $30 basic box not only has beef, steak, chicken, fruits, and vegtables, but also have sea food, such as shrimp and talapia. And when the label says shrimp you actually get shrimp, unlike the last afm menu that said alaskan salmon which is $8/pound and actually give you salmon from china which is about $1.50/pound. The food comes already boxed up so our small church doesnt have to struggle with volunteers. the specials are teriffic. they have KIDS boxes for lunches, BREAKFAST boxes with bacon, saussage, coffe, and hash browns. DESSERT boxes with actual CHEESECAKE FACTORY cheesecakes!! They also have senior boxes with 10 meals per box and are all no salt or sugar added. They have Thanksgiving boxes that feed 6-8 people for 25 bucks, and christmas boxes the same price. Check out their website at http://www.greatfoodforall.com
I started purchasing angel food this year,so far it has been fairly decent.The fresh produce has to be used within a few days,maybe a week on some stuff,The chicken has been excellent quality,and the steaks are alright,some cuts are better than others.The frozen veggies need to be cleaned,I noticed with the frozen carrots there was some black stuff frozen on to some of them,like cleaning beans or something,lol.The hamburger is horrible,very greasy and tough.Can’t say much about the pork,I give that away every month, a friend of mine said it was very good.The french fries have additives in them,I don’t like that,and we don’t eat the processed food.I know people who are in worse financial conditions than myself,and I give away what we won’t eat,the people I give it to are happy to have it.I live in Co. and we don’t have Aldi’s here,nor do have the great food for all program(I wish we did)so between the AFM and Share Colorado programs I do save money on groceries.I figure it this way,it allows me to help out people less fortunate than myself,and feed my family too.I’ve been lucky with my orders as well,never had anything missing,and it takes maybe 5 minutes to pick up the order total,I’m in and out, the people at the church load it up in the car for me,which also means 2 less trips every month to the grocery store with 4 kids.
My husband and I are the afm coordinators for our church. We have been doing afm for about a year now and have loved the program. The main box varies from month to month and the specials keep getting better all the time. They have added an allergen free box and a seafood box. Just recently I have heard of a box for diabetic meals as well. After reading most of the comments above we are saddened by those who feel they need to bash, trash and put this ministry down. True not all the food appeals to everyone, true there are issues as with ANY food program but look at it from a christian perspective. The men and women (and kids) who volunteer do this because we love our communities and want to make a difference. The rumors, news coverage and whisperings about the headquartes and the founders, wheather true or not, are not ours to judge. I believe that the care and love at each host site should speak louder than allegeations about the HQ. Our church puts love and care into every box with the smiles and interaction we give our customers. we look forward to seeing the regular customers who come every month, and meeting the new ones who have just come to “check it out” We treat this as the ministry it was intended to be when the founders came up with it. Recently one of our regular patrons came in to order and was visibly upset. I asked what was wrong and she told me she had just come from the doctors office and her breast cancer had returned. I cried with her and asked the minister to pray with us. I know she was grateful for the support. This ministry not only feeds the bellies of our community it feeds the soul as well. I pray that each of you reading this will look at the merits of this program and not only the shortcomings. After all “those with out sin may cast the first stone.”
It would be ridiculous to say that the food from AFM is always perfect and in pristine condition. I almost always just order the senior convenience box. These meals are nutritious, taste good and are in the most health quantities for a senior. I have had few disappointments over the two years I’ve bought AF. I have a problem with so much breading, but hey, that’s just me.The frozen vegetables I’ve received are the highest quality and the green beans are the best I ever tasted. The two whole chickens I got were the best tasing I’ve had in years. Wish I knew for sure where they come from. The original intent of the organization, I think, was to provide enough food for the money they had for people who would have otherwise gone hungry. It has grown, and added a lot of sophistication which usually leads to trouble in an organization striving to do something good. Looks like it might have gotten out of hand a bit, but I like AFM foods and will continue to buy them as long as they are available. ON my low income, I honestly don’t know what I’ll do if they quit, or are forced to stop. I won’t be nearly so well nourished as I am now. That is fact.
AFM is a God-send. I recently ordered the regular box and all of the March specials. All of the food has been delicious. For those who have problems, I suggest cooking lessons. For those that complain that the meats are soaked in preservatives, WASH THEM FIRST! These are basic rules of food safety. For those that complain about having to fry the tenders, it is not necessary. I never, ever fry breaded meats. They have most likely already been fried. Put them in an oven at 425 degrees for 20 – 25 minutes unless the package directions say otherwise. I missed the April order because I did not have money before the deadline. I will never do that again. I can’t wait to order my May boxes!
Most months, I find Angel Food to be an excellent way to feed the two of us. We are on a very limited income. In Oklahoma, a large wheat and cattle producer, you would think you could buy decent beef in the stores.
Not true. The store meat is always tough and/or stringy. In the last 18 months, we have not had any bad meat from AFN. During the week, we live on sandwiches and other quick meals since we work various schedules. Weekends is when I do the real cooking. We do not rely on AFN for all our groceries but we do rely upon AFN for our meats and find we save a lot of money that way. I buy the basic package and usually at least two of the meat specials and it lasts all month for us. We love the breaded chicken. It is not heavily breaded nor is it heavily spiced which is the way we like it. I often use it to fix us a “hot” sandwich late in the evening when we get home. The only complaint I have is that there is not enough “special” needs foods – like sugar free canned fruits or sugar free deserts for those of us that are diabetic. Maybe one day they will be able to arrange a “diabetic” special package.
Is this food I would find in a 5 star restaurant? I don’t know, I can’t afford those places. All I know is that I truly appreciate AFN as it gives me a way to stretch a really lean food budget so that we can have a variety of good, nutritious foods.
I only wish this had been available to me when I was a younger, single mom and trying to feed three small children on little money.
I think AFN is a Godsend. The church where I order also has worked some special deals with some of the grocery stores with bakeries to donate their day old items which I am happy to get because I have learned how to either
“refresh” them or use them in recipes. Thank you AFN!!!
Our church has been a host site for Angel Food Ministries the last 4 months. It has truly been a blessing to many families in an area that is economically depressed. If you have the monetary resources to shop at high end grocery stores…then AFM is probably not for you. Here is a list from AFM of suppliers
General Mills, Empire Beef, House of Raeford Chicken, Con Agra Food, Prim Cut Meat & Seafood, O.K. Foods, Midwest Premier, Stampede Meat,Fieldale Farms, Schans Bakery, Topps Meat, Sanderson Farm, Birdeseye, T.J. Foods, John Souls Foods, Pilgrims Pride, Encor, McKee Foods, Tyson, Southeastern Mills, Allen Canning, Perdue Farms, Noodles By Leonaro, Kocks Foods, Jiffy Mix, Dakota Growers Pasta and U.S. Food Service.
My husband and I only recently started using AFM after I lost my job and continue to be unemployed. Things are tight right now but we still manage to be very happy.
I’m not too much of a picky eater, although I love gourmet and cuisine from around the world. The great thing about the frozen meats provided in the “signature” box is that you can do whatever you want with it. A little seasoning and marinade can make a huge difference. I also really like that the meats and eggs are from my state, that’s definitely helping the regional economy.
I’ve read that people had an issue with the meat being too salty or fatty, I always rinse, pat dry and trim excess fat before cooking. I have yet to notice an excess in sodium.
I speculate that it is possible to save money shopping sales at your local grocery store, but there is no guarantee. Some of the dry or canned products are brands I’ve never heard of or have seen in Sav-A-Lot or other discount grocers.
Brand listing for this month: Country Post leg quarters, Simply Southern Sides chicken and corn stuffing, On-Cor salisbury steak entree, Foster Farms corn dogs, Chef Maxwell chopped ham, TopO’theLine tuna, TJ Farms fries, Musselman’s apple sauce, Truth Farms canned pears, Encompass dinner roll mix, Sunshine Harvest mac&cheese, Chestnut Mountain eggs, Schwan’s sweet potato pie and Borden shelf milk (hormone free! yay!!)
Despite any litigation with the creators of AFM, the rest of the ministry really does mean well. They’re providing free food to the ones truly in need, each box sold is $1 to that local host church and they’re keeping food on so many struggling families’ plates.
AFM is worth checking out, just be sure to read the menu and do your research if you need to.
I am so thankful for AFM.. All the meat that people complain about can be used in crock pots and stews for later dates, we just cut the fat off No problem. All of our produce arrives in good condition, we can and freeze things to use later on during the month. We only have 1 grocery store in town that is 20 miles away so thank you AFM for being there.
Hey, folks. My church is considering becoming a host site. My wife and I started ordering boxes last year from different sites to see how they handled things and also to test the food. We gave most of the boxes to families in need.
I’ve noticed the food is geared more towards those who like fried foods and gravy. My wife and I have tried boxes ourselves and do find some items that are to our liking. Other items we give to neighbors who seem to be pleased. We’ve comparison shopped and we can’t find anything the same price in our area (but have come close on sale items). We live in a small town far from a Walmart, Sams Club or any other bargain store like that, but have found prices in Sams Club to be equal to the AFM boxes. If we were to travel to one of these discount stores, we could purchase what we want and only what we want, but then there’s also the added expense of gas which seems to be going up again. In the end, the items we don’t use in the AFM box and the cost of gas to go to a discount store aren’t equal (the AFM box is cheaper).
I guess the only problem I have that isn’t resolved is how the profit being made off of AFM is being distributed. I’ll continue to watch how things are resolved and pray for the common good above that of a few.
My daughter in law got AFM once and was shocked at the low quality of the food. Milk was spoiled, produce bad and meat was shabby. For $30 she and I can get two weeks worth of good quality food.
Money is to valuable to take a chance on wasting any of it.
Try store sales, unclaimed freight and salvage, dollar stores, and market down meat specials in stores and butcher shops. Don’t be afraid to ask for any last minute mark down specials at your grocer. Ask about scratch and dent items.
I have patronized ANGEL FOOD MINISTRIES and am grateful for the program. The steaks are excellent, as as well as every thing I purchased was in good order, and tasteful the price is phenomenal also. I was greeted well and everyone was very very friendly and kind I will continue to order.
I have ordered Angel Food for about 6 month. The senior meals were very convenient. Unfortunately, I was not able to use them when our diet became “salt restricted” because the sodium content was not specified. We have enjoyed the seafood as well as the special meat packages. For $30, the box is still a very good deal, even after passing on anything we cannot use. I am very thankful for the Angel Food Ministries!
I found this coupon code, it is valid for Angel Food Ministries food boxes, and gives you 10% off a signature box. Angel Food Coupon Code “10sig98″. The problem is that I believe it is limited and expires in July. Pass it around
I used the program for a while but once I compared the quality of products with the loss leader selection of meats at the grocery store, I found the grocery store to be superior. There is too much processed and breaded stuff for a healthy diet. The sodium content is also too high. Most of the meats are rather fatty, full of grissel and tough.
We have gotten Angel food for a long time, so have friends and family. We always get meats with NO grissle and we do tenderize it= and find it is better than in the grocery stores.
I can NOT count how many times in my life have gotten a tough steak from local chain grocery stores. IT HAPPENS!
Where do you people think they get this food?
It comes from places like Tyson for one example. The SAME places that supply the grocery stores. We have NEVER gotten bad produce and as for the milk…it is LONG shelf life milk and can’t spoil that soon (to the lady claiming her milk was spoiled) I detest anyone who lies to make someone look bad. I am not saying some people might get a bad cut of meat from time to time, it happens in grocery stores too but there is a way to contact AFM and report it!
I am assuming that some of you that are beyond picky have never been hungry! No, I’m not saying this is better than nothing, quite the opposite! Because of AFM MANY families today are eating!!!!!!! Do any of you have any idea how bad things are??? Are you aware that things will get worse before they improve??? And for those who say they can get more food for the money…GOOD for you because I am a shopping pro and I can’t unless we want to live on beans and rice!!!!
For that 30.00 ONE regular box and ONE produce feeds my husband and myself for a month for 52.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you don’t like AF, don’t buy it but STOP turning others against it who might REALLY need it!