It seems like everybody’s looking for new ways to pinch a penny and save a buck in the midst of this recession.
To help make lives a little easier and keep stomachs full, Oxford Free Methodist Church (790 S. Lapeer Rd.) is offering local residents, regardless of income, a way to purchase enough food to feed a family of four for an entire week yet spend only $30.
‘I know people are struggling and this is a way we can hopefully help people get good food at a good price,? said Senior Pastor Michael Alexander. ‘It’s not a food pantry. It’s not free food, but it is a way to help.?
The church is working with New Beginnings Baptist Church in Lake Orion to order groceries on a monthly basis from Angel Food Ministries.
Founded in 1994 and based in Monroe, Georgia (between Atlanta and Athens), Angel Food Ministries purchases quality food from first-rate suppliers each month. It then passes on the volume discounts it receives to consumers.
Each month, customers can buy a ‘regular box? of groceries (see shaded box on page 18), consisting of enough fresh and frozen food items to feed a family of four for a week, for only $30. The menu changes on a monthly basis and people can order as many boxes as they want.
‘It’s open to anybody who wants to cut the cost of their grocery bill,? noted church secretary Rita Hopkins, who takes orders for the food program.
The average retail value of each regular box is approximately $60 to $65. Comparison shopping done across the country has resulted in the same food items costing between $42 and $78, according to www.angelfoodministries.com.
Under this program, a family of four could order an entire month’s worth of groceries for only $120. ‘They encourage participants to apply the money they save to help someone else,? Alexander said.
Those who automatically equate discounted food with inferior food needn’t fear ordering. ‘It’s the same top quality food that you’d find on the grocery store shelf,? Alexander noted.
Angel Food Ministries does not purchase or sell any secondhand items, damaged or outdated goods, dented cans without labels, day-old breads or produce that’s almost too ripe. Each month the organization delivers high quality groceries to approximately 500,000 families across 35 states.
For senior citizens, single folks and people on the go, Angel Food Ministries offers a ‘convenience box? consisting of 10 ‘perfectly seasoned, nutritionally balanced, fully-cooked meals.? All people need to do is heat and serve.
For the month of February, these meals range from pot roast and gravy with vegetables, diced potatoes and green peas to meatballs and shell pasta with creamy alfredo sauce, green bean casserole and a squash medley.
In addition to the regular and convenience boxes, the program offers a variety of ever-changing monthly specials ranging from bulk packages of meat to boxes of assorted fruits and vegetables.
In order to purchase the specials, customers must first buy at least one of the regular or convenience boxes.
Although the program is open to anyone, Oxford Free Methodist decided to participate as an outreach to local people and families who are struggling financially.
‘We don’t have the money to hand to people,? Hopkins said. ‘Yet we can help them offset their costs.?
‘We don’t make any money off of this,? Alexander noted. ‘It’s just to serve people.?
For more information about the food program or to obtain a menu call (248) 628-1203.
Orders must be placed by the second Wednesday of the month. Orders for February are due by Feb. 11. Please make checks payable to Friend in Need/OFM. No food stamps can be accepted at the present time.
Food will be distributed at the church on the fourth Saturday of each month.

Here’s what you can get this month for $30
1.5 lbs. Sirloin strip steaks
2 lbs. Tray pack chicken breast
1 lb. Boneless pork chops
2 lbs. Breaded chicken nuggets
28 oz. Salisbury steak entree
12 oz. Sliced bacon
1 lb. All-meat hot dogs
1lb. Stir-fry (broccoli, red peppers & onions)
1 lb. Carrots
10 oz. Peanut butter
32 oz. 2 percent milk
35 oz. Crinkle-cut fries
7.25 oz. Mac ‘n? Cheese
1 lb. Rice
1 lb. Bean soup mix
Dozen eggs
Dessert