Carol Winkleblech and Jim and Mary O’Brien prepare for Angel Food sign up at the Bridgewater Baptist Church in Montrose.
BY PAT FARNELLI
A volunteer run program called “Angel Food” makes high quality, nutritious food affordable, with the food boxes available for purchase and pickup at many locations in Susquehanna County.
Volunteer Carol Winkleblech of the Bridgewater Baptist Church in Montrose describes the program as “sort of a food co-op.”
She said that although the program has been doing monthly food orders and pickups for several years in the area, misconceptions about its purpose still exist.
Some people think it is a charity, or connected to welfare, which it is not.
The national program provides food for purchase that is economical and restaurant quality, and can be purchased with cash, credit card or ACCESS (food stamps) card.
“It is good for people trying to stick to a budget,” Winkleblech said. “Basically, if you eat, you qualify.”
There are no income limits or other qualification.
“This is an entirely volunteer organization,” said Winkleblech. “We have priced the food in grocery stores, and it is a good value for the price, and usually a bargain.”
She said that the extra food that is not picked up is donated to food banks, and notes that the organization pays $1 a box for the boxes sold, which is given to local food programs like “Feed a Friend,” Interfaith Christmas Bureau Meal, and “Bountiful Blessings,” an Easter food basket.
The local Angel Food program is a ministry of the Montrose organization called the Ministry of Christian Service, an ecumenical group comprised of Bridgewater Baptist Church, Elisha’s Home and Ministries, First Presbyterian Church of Montrose, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, and Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church.
The Angel Food program is also available at the Susquehanna United Methodist Church. Pastor Jim Rouse and his wife BJ say that they have both volunteered and purchased food, and are very pleased with the quality.
“Before, we couldn’t eat steak, but now we can, because it is so tender,” BJ noted.
The October menu lists a new “Bountiful Blessings” box, which is a new basic box with more items and more protein than the “Bread of Life” Signature Box, which has enough food to help feed a family of four for about a week at $31.
The “Bit O’Blessing” Box is designed for one or two people, and costs $21.
There are also special boxes for other needs or likings. There is a “Fast and Flavorful Cuisine” which offers convenience meals aimed at seniors and people living with diabetes. This box includes 10 perfectly seasoned, nutritionally balanced, fully cooked meals, ready to heat and serve.
The “After School Box” is an assortment of child friendly snacks. There is an “Allergen Free Food Box,” and a “Fresh Fruit and Veggie Box.”
October Specials include a Steak Combo Box, A Seafood Variety Box, a Thanksgiving Box, and a Christmas Box.
The two holiday boxes will be delivered in November and December, respectively.
Angel Food is delivered to Bridgewater Baptist Church in Montrose at 5:30 a.m. once a month, and from there, volunteers take it to distribution centers in Great Bend, Hop Bottom, Susquehanna, and Herrickville.
Participants can pick up their boxes at 8 a.m. at either Bridgewater or the other locations. Previously, customers were told to bring boxes, coolers or laundry baskets to carry their food orders, but now everything is coming in pre-boxed, which greatly simplifies the distribution process.
Orders can be made in person by Oct. 14 or online at www.angelfoodministries.com by Oct. 17.
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