In this struggling economic climate, families everywhere are looking to save any way they can.
They imagine a way to stock their refrigerators and pantries for half what they'd pay in a grocery store, buy the items using food stamps if they qualify, and preserve their privacy by not having to prove an economic hardship in order to participate.
At West Congregational Church in Haverhill, this is not a dream. It is Angel Food Ministries and is open to anyone who would like to take part.
The church, at 786 Broadway, is a host site for Angel Food Ministries, a discount food distribution organization headquartered in Monroe, Ga.
It operates much the way a food co-op or community supported agriculture program would. Participants are able to buy first-quality fresh and frozen food items monthly for about 50 percent of their retail value.
Sheila Kennedy has been the director of the program's West Congregational Church site since December. The church has been distributing about 150 boxes or "shares" of food a month, purchased for $30 each but worth from $60 to $75 each, she said.
Last month, volunteers packed and distributed 218 boxes.
"This is not meant to be a handout, but rather it's meant to be a hand up. People feel much better about this program. It's helping out in a time of need," Kennedy said.
All are welcome to take advantage of the program. There are no qualifications, minimums to buy, income restrictions or applications to fill out, Kennedy said.
"It's open to everyone and there is nothing people have to do to participate. It's really something special about this program that people really seem to like," Kennedy said.
The church also accepts foods stamps, which is a great way to get twice the amount of food for your family, Kennedy said.
"If you have a family trying to make do on food stamps, this program makes them go twice as far. It is just incredible how much this program can help people," Kennedy said.
Paul Laprise, a former Haverhill resident who works for Angel Food in Georgia, suggested the program to West Congregational.
"Paul still holds Haverhill close to his heart and really wanted to see this program start here in the city," Kennedy said.
Kennedy said a group of volunteers began meeting last November to organize the church's participation in the program. Kennedy was named director in mid-December. The first distribution of groceries through Angel Food took place in February.
"If you can save half the money on groceries it's so helpful, especially in this difficult economy," Kennedy said.
Every month, Angel Food offers a new menu that includes a "regular box" of food consisting of a variety of fresh and frozen foods that would retail in local grocery stores at more than $60, but can be purchased for $30.
Generally, one unit of food helps to feed a family of four for about a week or a single senior citizen for almost a month. The food is all the same quality that someone could find at a grocery store. There are no second-hand items, no damaged or out-dated goods, no dented cans without labels, no day-old breads and no over-ripe produce.
Also available is a senior/convenience box which includes 10 fully cooked, heat and serve meals, which are great for seniors, singles or people on the go for only $28.
In addition to the standard food boxes, the monthly menu includes a variety of specialty boxes with meats, prepared meals and produce that are available at an additional, but reasonable, cost, Kennedy said.
There is no limit to the number of standard or specialty food boxes an individual can buy, although a person must buy at least one standard box in order to qualify to buy specialty boxes.
The units of food are ordered and paid for in advance and must be picked up at the church on the fourth Saturday of each month. Any number of units can be purchased and payment must be in cash, money order (made out to West Congregational Church), credit/debit card, or food stamps. Cash, money order or food stamp orders may be placed in person at the church on Sundays from 9 to 11 a.m. Debit or credit card orders may be made anytime online.
For more information, contact Kennedy at 978-397-8025 or visit www.westchurch.org.
To assist those in need, donations of boxes of food may be made by giving $30 for each box of food to be donated, or giving a smaller amount toward a food box, Kennedy said. Donations are tax-deductible as a charitable donation.
