First Baptist Church

New Tazewell, TN

Angel Food Ministry

This ministry is not only for those experiencing hardships. Anyone can purchase food from Angel Food Ministries.  There are not applications, memberships, or qualifications to participate, nor is there a limit to the number of units you may purchase. For example, units may be purchased:

• to lower monthly food bills and free up money for other designations;

• to lower food costs for those on fixed incomes;

• to give to others experiencing financial difficulty;

Angel Food Ministries is a non-profit, non-denominational organization dedicated to providing grocery relief and financial support to communities throughout the United States. The program began in 1994 with 34 families in Monroe, Georgia (between Atlanta and Athens), and has grown to serve thousands of families every month across 17 states.

Angel Food's groceries are sold in a quantity that can fit into a medium-sized box at $30 per unit. Each month's menu is different that the previous month and consists of both fresh and frozen items with an average retail value of approximately $50. Comparison shopping has been done across the country in various communities using a wide range of retail grocery stores and has resulted in the same food items costing between $42 and $78.

Generally, one unit of food assists in feeding a family of four for about one week or a single senior citizen for almost a month. The food is all the same high quality one would purchase at a grocery store. There are no second-hand items, no damaged or out-dated goods, no dented cans without labels, no day-old breads and no produce that is almost too ripe.

Also offered are specialty boxes such as steaks, chicken, and pork. Many participants in this bonus program appreciate the expanded choices. Additionally, there is no limit to the number of units or bonus foods and individual can purchase, and there are no applications to complete or qualifications to which participants must adhere. Angel Food Ministries, like most all other retail grocery stores, also participate in the U.S. Food Stamp program, using the Off-Line Food Stamp Voucher system.