More than 131 tons of food will be delivered across South Carolina on May 12 as local churches band together with Angel Food Ministries (AFM) to help hard hit families deal with the impact of rising food costs.  With a box of food full of quality meat and other essentials, these local churches are helping seniors on fixed incomes, single parents and hard-working people who struggle  just to keep their families fed.

According to a 2006 study by the Economic Research Service, 14.7 percent of South Carolinians are in need of food assistance.  With the 4.2% increase in rising food cost hitting these and others, this local distribution will help families with enough food for about a week and senior citizens for about a month.

Local churches and non-profits join with Angel Food in distribution of top quality food that has been purchased in very large quantities from the nation’s top suppliers. This cooperative approach allows Angel Food Ministries to pass on substantial savings to consumers. A $30 box of Angel Food retails for approximately $65. There are no pre-qualifications to participate allowing any South Carolinian to benefit.

The value of Angel Food, however, is not limited merely to stretching the food dollar. Caring volunteers who distribute Angel Food extend hope and encouragement to each recipient. Food stamps are accepted, and struggling families are able to maintain a sense of dignity as they receive this “hand-up,” rather than a hand-out.

In addition to helping families directly with food, the Angel Food program also is impacting communities by making a monthly donation to each host site to use in the community. In 2006, Angel Food Ministries gave $6million for this purpose.

Founder and CEO of Angel Food Ministries (AFM), Pastor Joe Wingo recently addressed the White House Faith-Based Initiatives Roundtable about AFM’s ongoing commitment to help alleviate hunger in the United States. Approximately 2.5 million people from all socioeconomic backgrounds benefit from the Angel Food program each month.

For more information about Angel Food Ministries visit www.angelfoodministries.com or call
M. Lindsey at (770) 266-2014, Angel Food Ministries, 1620 South Broad Street Monroe, GA 30655.

• Hearts of Compassion Ministries, Inc (Freedom Center): Myrtle Beach
  Contact: Angie Ashurst (843) 215-1469 or (843) 251-6455
• Hillcrest Baptist Church: North Charleston
  Contact: Danny Winstead (843) 442-8788 or (843) 442-8788
• Christian Life Assembly : Columbia
  Contact: Jessica Burchett (803) 798-4488 or (803) 553-7012
• Springdale Baptist Church: West Columbia
  Jeanie Corley (803) 796-8110 or (803) 794-7263
• Brushy Creek Baptist Church: Greenville
  Contact: Martha Goodlett (864) 244-5075 or (864) 414-2245
• Pleasant Grove Baptist Church: Summerville
  Contact Lynn Briggs (843) 871-2362