Blessings at Work

A host site and its volunteers have the satisfaction of providing a hand-up to people and families who have desperate food insecurities. The Angel Food program also brings people together in a common effort and creates a sense of unity and purpose in any organization.

In addition, AFM contributes $1 to a host site’s benevolence fund for every Angel Food box distributed. In this way, Angel Food Ministries is helping thousands of churches and organizations reach out and make a difference in their communities. This provision enables host sites to make a greater impact in their communities and help more people get back on the feet.

Because Angel Food Ministries believes in sharing the Good News as well as demonstrating the goodness of God, “The Servant” magazine is included in each box of Angel Food. Interesting and encouraging articles, a prayer of salvation, dynamic testimonies, relevant ministry updates and much more are included in each issue.
 

Churches that participate in Angel Food Ministries benefit in many ways:

• Gives church members hands-on experience and training with rewarding service to others.

• Provides discounted food not only for those that need it, but for any others who appreciate deep discounts on quality food.

• Provides additional income to community outreach funds.

• Gives churches and other organizations an effective outreach to the community to meet real needs in a genuine way -- oftentimes drawing new participants and visitors into the mission at hand.

Orders and Distribution
Orders and distribution of Angel Food are handled by churches and community organizations.

During the first part of each month, a host sites takes orders for boxes of Angel Food from its community. Orders are then turned in to Angel Food Ministries headquarters in Monroe, Georgia.

Angel Food then purchases quality food from first-rate suppliers to fulfill the orders. The fresh food is delivered in bulk to the Angel Food Warehouse where it is divided and shipped to host sites for distribution on a predetermined date of the month.

Volunteers at the host site divide the food into individual orders. These boxes of Angel Food then are picked up by those who have placed orders.

More Details:

There are two main administrative issues a host site will need to address. First is the order taking process. Once the program is underway, a church or non-profit organization with a vision for helping their community can organize one or two delegated individuals whose job is to process the orders. These orders can be taken at a table in the foyer of a church or perhaps a kiosk setup with a banner. Typically, this takes one to two days per month and includes orders taken by phone, submitted by mail, by email, by fax, in person or through envelopes or order forms used for that purpose. The individuals in charge of this first step will process simple paperwork, which would include a form, cash, checks and food stamps. One check for the total order from the sponsoring host site, plus any food stamps, is sent to Angel Food Ministries. This order from the host site is due on a predetermined Monday of a given month. The second administrative matter, Distribution Day, includes the presence of church and community volunteers who come together to perform duties ranging from setting up and filling boxes and containers to clean up or assisting disabled or elderly customers with carrying their containers to their cars. Most host sites do not deliver to their community; customers are urged to pick up their food at the host site location, bringing their own boxes or baskets to be filled.

Distribution Day is where the rubber meets the road. People are working together for common goals, they meet new friends or perhaps life-changing conversations take place. Socio-economic distinctions are forgotten and the church begins to regain its God-ordained presence as the centerpiece of the community. If the host site is organized well, it is possible that those picking up food will be there less than two minutes; while others, the volunteers, can expect a two- to four-hour time of reward, working with one another and helping others. Distribution Day then becomes for many the one day in the month when a sense of fulfillment through service and a life of purpose becomes a reality. Practically, 6 to 8 workers can handle 250 units of food, but wise pastors and leaders will encourage other volunteers to be there to experience the joy.

Using the quality food at significant discounts offered on a regular basis is a real and practical way to say clearly that you care. It also infuses a reminder of the value that God places on humans everywhere and that they deserve every opportunity that can be offered them in the name of love and friendship.

Getting the Word Out

To get the word out to your church and community -- just tell them. How? Word of mouth, door hangers and brochure literature, your website, advertisements in local newspapers, press releases or by giving a unit of food as a gift. Additionally, if your organization finds the right opportunity with local TV and radio stations, they might run information about your involvement with Angel Food at no cost, as they are required by law to broadcast a certain amount of Public Service Announcements (PSA). Ask them if you can help them meet their legal quota of PSAs.

It is also possible to join hands with corporations who may be interested in holiday endeavors to distribute food. Your church's enthusiastic volunteers, a generous corporation's funding and the capacity of Angel Food Ministries can be used to touch expanded portions of the community and deliver quality food to those who would appreciate it the most during the various holidays seasons throughout the year.