I am always looking for ways to cut costs, extend my paycheck and cut down on food costs every month. Even though there are only 2 people and a dog in my household, I can still find ways to save.
Buying local and from farmer's markets around the Cleveland area is one way to save on food costs, but sometimes its more difficult to do during the winter and early spring. I know there are a couple farmer's markets open all year long, but when money is tight and fuel costs are high, I tend to stay closer to home. Shopping at Aldi's has greatly decreased my monthly spending on food, and I am ever thankful. However, there is another resource for everyone - and your income doesn't matter either.
Angel Food Ministries, a non-profit and non-denominational organization (not associated with any church), offers low cost food relief to families throughout Northeast Ohio and across the country. Founded in 1994 by 2 pastors in Monroe, GA, after an industrial plant closed causing most of the town's families to experience extreme economic hardship, and they wanted to help in some way. From 34 families 17 years ago to now serving nearly 45 states in the U.S., Angel Food Ministries has helped a half of a million families.
I started buying monthly "boxes" of fresh and packaged food from Angel in 2008 after losing a job in the South and moving to the Cleveland area with a reduced income. There are now several "boxes" to choose, and according to the Angel Food Ministries website, "will feed a family of four for about a week, or a single senior for a month."
Families (and single people too) usually have a dozen choices every month ranging from $21 to near $50. Food found in a typical box may include 5 to 7 varieties of meat entrees, 4 types of vegetables, fruit, shelf milk, a dozen eggs, canned goods and one dessert item. All this only costs about $30. Comparable to local grocery stores, you're saving anywhere from 20 to 40 dollars. It is a great way to save on food and extend your monthly food budget. Other specialty boxes include after school snacks for kids, prepared meals for seniors, veggies and fruit selections, grilling/steak choices, and for special occasions there is holiday box which includes just about everything you would need to cook a special meal.
You can find the nearest pickup location on AFM's website. Any church, school or organization can apply to become a host site. If your organization is interested in helping distribute the food, please see more information here.
When you order a box for your family, consider ordering an extra box for a family in need or a reclusive neighbor or donate to a food pantry or church for their food gift baskets. It's very affordable and the organizations does accept SNAP (food stamps).
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