Food from Angels

Sometimes you have to be hit with something a few times before it finally catches your attention.

I first learned of the Angel Food Ministries program almost a year ago when my pastor and her husband brought over some food that they had gotten in the program and wouldn't eat -- she's a vegetarian and there is only so much meat he can eat on his own.

I thought about doing a story at the time, but discovered a coworker had done one just a few months earlier.

Then came what had to have been the worst 12 months in Eastern Iowa history. Snow and ice blanketed the area in near-record levels from November to mid-April. A spring thaw was barely under way when immigration officials raided a kosher meat plant in Postville, arresting almost 400 illegal immigrants and devastating a small community. On Memorial Day weekend, more than half of the community of Parkersburg was flattened by a tornado. Then the water came -- and came, and came.

As Eastern Iowans were recovering from a rough year, the economy took a drastic downturn. It was time to find "deals" wherever possible.

I was reminded about Angel Food Ministries, a national program available to everyone, regardless of age, race, income, religion or any other discriminating factor. Participants order a box (or two, or three) of groceries valued at about $75 and pay just $30. The menu varies from month to month, and each box contains the same thing, but the food is name brand, top quality product. The distribution centers are typically churches.

I wrote a story about this program and how it would help those in need, and those looking to save some money. I received no fewer than two dozen phone calls from people wanting a complete list of participating churches.

I had to give it a try. The November box includes, among other things, four sirloin strip steaks, chicken hindquarters, a dozen eggs, vegetables, frozen chopped steak and gravy (great for a 16-year-old boy) and a list of other items.

My order comes in on Saturday. I'll let you know what I think.

(Oops! I forgot to include the progam's Web address so you could check out the menu or find locations. It's at www.angelfoodministries.com)