If you think the price of groceries is getting too high, there is a way to get quality food at half the price.
While most Americans are pinching their pennies, Kelly Taylor is stretching her dollar. "I chose this box and it's a regular box and I know exactly what I'm getting and it's an excellent savings,'' said Taylor, after making her purchase for a food box.
For just $30, Taylor will get $60-$70 worth of groceries through a program called Angel Food Ministries. "It is non-income eligible, which means you can make a million dollars a year or no money at all and you can still order from Angel Food," said Marisa Banks, administrator at the Compassion Christian Center church.
Here's how it works. Every month the menu changes, but this month customers can take advantage of everything from rib eye steaks to oatmeal and cheese filled manicotti. "Oh there's a variety of meats, fruits, vegetables, there's eggs and milk and even you, you get to choose a pastry," said Taylor.
And, Banks said, ''this is high quality. This food is not dented cans or days-old bread. This food is coming from our regular USDA food brokers food that you are purchasing in the grocery store of your choice, is the same food that Angel Food customers receive."
They even have pre-cooked meals available for families on the go and seniors with special dietary needs. And it's affordable. For example, 10 pre-cooked meals can be purchased for just $28.
On the 4th Saturday of each month the food is delivered to the Compassion Christian Center for pick up.
They're able to keep prices low by cutting out the middle man. "All of the leg work and all of the distribution is done through just churches. And because there is no pay-roll or no stores to keep open then the customer receives the discounted price,'' said Banks.
"It's just an excellent program,'' Taylor said. ''I think everyone should take advantage of it even if you're not low income, said Taylor."
Right now, the Compassion Christian Center is the only distribution site in the San Joaquin Valley, so many people are coming from outside of Kern to pick up these deals.
The more orders that are placed the greater the ability to continue to negotiate lower prices on groceries.
If you would like more information about Angel Food Ministries or if you want to place an order you can log onto their website at www.angelfoodministries.com. The deadline to order for this month is Jan. 11. Again, anyone can participate, no matter your income level.
