Bridgeport United Methodist Church

Angel Food Ministry Provides Grocery Relief One Box at a Time

Members of the Bridgeport United Methodist Church are helping feed their neighbors one box at a time through a national outreach program that’s both a bargain and a blessing.

Angel Food Ministries (AFM) is a non-profit, non-denominational organization dedicated to providing grocery relief to communities throughout the United States.  AFM partners with churches and community organizations in more than 32 states. Each month individuals can receive a box of food containing both fresh and frozen items for $30.

Organizers say there’s just one qualification to this program, you have to eat.

“Angel Food Ministries is not just for low income families…it’s for everyone,” said Lula Malenich, Bridgeport United Methodist’s Angel Food Ministries coordinator. “If you eat – you qualify for this program!”

Each month’s menu is different than the previous month and consists of both fresh and frozen items.  AFM also offers specialty boxes that include steaks, chicken and pork. Additionally, there are no limits to the number of units or bonus foods an individual can receive.

“The food items that we receive from AFM are top quality,” said Malenich.  “There are no second-hand items, everything is labeled and guaranteed fresh.”

According to AFM’s website, comparison shopping has been done across the country in various communities using a wide range of retail grocery stores and has resulted in the same food items costing from between $42 and $78. AFM’s basic box has an average retail value of approximately $60. 

“The blessing is that one dollar of every basic box purchased stays in our community to help others less fortunate,” said Malenich.  “We (Bridgeport United Methodist Church and the Greater Clarksburg Parish of the United Methodist Church) are working with Open Heart Ministries, a ministry of the Greater Clarksburg Parish, to fulfill the command of Christ in meeting the needs of the poor in our community.”

In its seventh month, Malenich notes that AFM continues to grow with God’s hand of blessings.  “In September we took in 17 orders. This past month we took in 110.  It’s just amazing what can happen when we do our part and let God do the rest!”

So how does someone get involved in AFM at Bridgeport United Methodist Church? Each month orders are collected and sent in to AFM’s main office in Monroe, Georgia. Then the food orders are packaged and delivered to the host site and are available for pick-up on a scheduled date. Individuals are encouraged to bring a laundry basket or box when picking up their order(s).

To obtain a monthly menu and order form, please stop by the church office Monday-Friday, 8:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m. (closed 12-1 p.m. daily for lunch), or contact Lula Malenich at 842-6965.  Cash or check orders can be left at the church office.  Food stamp orders need to call 842-6965. Checks are to be made payable to BUMC. 

Individuals who would like to make a donation can purchase a basic box of food for $30 and write “Donation” for the name.  The donated food will stay in our community and be distributed through Open Heart Ministries.

Volunteers are always needed to help on Distribution Days (10:00-12:00 noon) – families are welcome!

For more information on AFM, log on to www.angelfoodministries.com.

[Welcome] [Members] [News] [Worship] [Ministries] [Outreach] [Staff]