Angel Food Ministries in Cincinnati, Ohio, Sparks Grocery Shopping at Church

Cutting Back on the Rising Cost of Food

Cincinnati, Ohio -- Most people usually shop for groceries at their local supermarket. They go with coupon clippings and hopes of finding bargains and spending less for food.

Who would have ever thought that you could do grocery shopping at a church? In the biblical days Joseph amassed for the king a great supply of grain, which he sold to both Egyptians and foreigners. In the time of famine, people came for miles to purchase grain for their families.

With a heart to help others and a generous spirit, Joe and Linda Wingo founded Angel Food Ministries in 1994 to provide food for friends and neighbors who were struggling financially. Today, they are still doing the same thing. The Angel Food program now is helping provide food relief to more than 500,000 families each month.

Many churches, such as Overflow Ministries Covenant Church in Cincinnati, Ohio, have become hosting sites for Angel Food Ministries to help families cut back on the rising cost of food.

The organization provides boxes of food at $30 apiece, about half the retail value of the food.

The meal program targets seniors and families during difficult times, giving them a chance to stretch their dollars. Others are not only purchasing food for each other, but are placing orders for others who are in need.

People are provided a menu a month ahead of time, which gives them time to choose their purchases. After they have filled out the form and paid their money, they are given a pick-up date and their order is filled and awaiting their pickup.

There are several ways a person can place their order. Each week after service on Sunday, volunteers are taking orders until the last person leave. The church office is opened during the week for anyone to drop off their order.

Most recently, the Angel Food website is available to place orders for pick-up at the nearest location to you.

What appears as a smooth operation requires dedication and a team of committed workers, who faithfully volunteer each month for the work of the ministry.