For those of you who may have questions about AFM, here is a set of FAQ from a host site director that should answer most of your questions:
Who qualifies for this "ministry"?
Everyone who eats. By paying $30, you are purchasing the food the same as if you went to Kroger.
How do I find a distribution site in my area?
Go to the web site (
Welcome - Angel Food Ministries) and look for a host site near you. Use the zip code function. Otherwise, you end up with a statewide listing, and you might miss a location in some small town near you. There should be contact information there for the host site. If not, call AFM's hotline (1-800-FOOD-MINISTRY) to get more contact information. Some sites do not man the telephones around the clock so you may need to contact the site director. The host sites run the gammit from churches of all denominations to civic organizations
Where can I find out what's for sale this month?
Same place:
Welcome - Angel Food Ministries. Each month's menu usually comes up around the 15th of the previous month. Note that they also provide the menu in Spanish. I will post the English version here each month as it becomes available.
When do I place an order?
Each host site has one or several time slots when they take orders. Usually, it is the week prior to the ordering deadline (about 10 days before distribution.) At our site, for example, we take orders from 11:00 am - 7:00 pm on Thursday and on Monday just prior to the deadline. Even if you can't make the scheduled hours, the host site will probably do what they can to find a time that works for you. Online ordering is coming soon!
When and how do I pay for the food?
When you place an order, you pay for it. Most site takes cash, money orders, and food stamps. We should start taking credit and debit cards later this year, but we're not set up for it yet. Most sites frown on checks for obvious reasons.
When and how do I pick up my food?
Depending on your location, there is then a Saturday designated "Distribution Day" when you pick up the food. When you arrive, you bring a box or cooler with you and the people usually fill it assembly-line style. At some locations, you walk in. At others, you drive in. I have heard of a few that deliver, but that is VERY rare. You can usually get in and out in 10 minutes or less. Also, you should be able to place an order for the next month and save yourself a trip.
Is the food any good?
The food is quality food. The "specials" , in particular, include some terrific packs of steaks. Of course, the downside is that you must accept the set menu. But I find even if I eat what I like and give the rest away, I save a substantial amount of money. Some of the food could be healthier. It's not that it horribly fatty; it's just that it's usually standard stuff so those used to "reduced fat" or "extra lean" will need to watch their portions. Also, the brand names may be a bit unusual. This is just because most brand names are regional - the food is still good quality.
Do I really save money doing this?
In January, one of the sites reported going to the local Wal-Mart and tried to duplicate the $30 box of food and spent $77 doing so. That doesn't include the time it took to check-out at Wal-Mart. (Don't get me started.)
How do they do this?
Volume. They order roughly 500,000 units a month.
Goverment. AFM is a faith-based ministry.
Volunteers. That means no store front and no overhead.
Who are these people?
AFM started this from Joseph & Linda Wingo's back porch in Monroe, Georgia in 1994. After reviewing much of the training materials and working with the organization, I can say these really are just some common, small-town folks who came up with a fabulous idea.
What's the catch?
I haven't yet found one. The host sites get $1 for each box/special they sell, but that's not going to make anyone rich. That usually covers gasoline, promotion, and doughnuts for the volunteers. I suppose some churches may add you to the mailing list or thump you with a Bible, but that has not been my experience. Usually, everyone goes home happy. It has a true community feel to it kind of like a throwback to the days when we had neighborhood barbecues.
Can I buy food for others?
Sure. If you know anyone who could use some food - illness, new baby, job loss, whatever - this is a great way to help them out. If you went to the store, you'd waste an hour and spend twice as much. A large portion of what we distribute goes to people who are giving it to someone else.
Anything else?
If you think of something, post a reply and I'll add it to the FAQ.
Thank you, BatonRougeToday.com!
