Haverhill

Local churches make groceries affordable in national program

Local churches make groceries affordable in national program

By Mike LaBella
mlabella@eagletribune.com
Published: July 5, 2009

One Haverhill family didn't have to think twice when given a chance to purchase groceries at a discounted price. They said that in this economy, every little bit of savings helps.

"I'm a hairdresser and business is down," said Rachel Bartlett, 37, of Haverhill. "To be able to buy a week's worth of groceries for about half the price makes a big difference."

Since early this year, elders and families on tight budgets have been turning to the West Congregational Church in Haverhill to help fill their freezers, refrigerators and pantries with fresh and frozen food items that are available on a monthly basis, and for about half the retail cost.

The church is now a host site for the nonprofit Angel Food Ministries, a discount food distribution organization based in Monroe, Ga., that feeds more than 500,000 families a month in 35 states. The program has two other local host sites: LifeWay Community Church in Derry, N.H., and Salem Grace Assembly of God in Salem, N.H.

There are no applications to fill out, no qualifications to meet, you don't have to be a member of the church, and you don't have to live in the area, said Sheila Kennedy of Haverhill, host site ministry director for the program at West Congregational Church. In fact, some folks have been coming from as far away as Salisbury to pick up food at the Haverhill church, she said.

"Given the financial challenges being faced by many in our surrounding communities, this program is an opportunity for everyone to avail themselves of low cost, quality food in the coming months and throughout the year," she said.

Each month, Angel Food offers a new menu that includes a "regular box" of food consisting of a variety of first-quality fresh and frozen foods that church members say would cost $60 in a typical grocery store, but can be purchased for $30.

There are no secondhand items, no damaged or outdated goods, no dented cans without labels, no day-old breads and no produce that is almost too ripe, organizers said.

The $30 "signature box" featured in the June menu contained 18 items, including nearly eight pounds of frozen meats such as New York strip steaks.

"We've been making comparisons at local markets and on two different months our $30 box cost $70," said Bob Ledwith of Haverhill, who works as a volunteer staff member for West Congregational's "neighbors helping neighbors" endeavor.

On a recent Saturday, more than 40 customers arrived at West Congregational Church to pick up their orders.

Church members had driven to Hudson early that morning to pick up the 100 cartons of food items to be distributed.

Several volunteers were outside directing cars into the church parking lot. Others escorted shoppers into the lower level of the church where other volunteers helped fill their orders.

Customers brought their receipts to a registration desk, then adult and youth members of the church escorted them along a row of tables manned by other volunteers who filled the food orders.

Rachel Bartlett said her husband Kevin has been "raving" about the steaks she's been bringing home since the church launched the program, while their 10-year-old daughter, Medora, gives high marks to the fresh produce.

Her recent order included a "Latin Flavors" fruit and veggie box that cost $22 and was filled with tree-ripened (but not mushy) mango, California iceberg lettuce, ripe (but not too ripe) cantaloupe, russet baking potatoes, limes, fresh carrots and other garden fresh produce.

"I really like the avocados while my daughter loves the tropical fruit," she said as church volunteers helped carry her boxes of food to her car.

For $28, seniors or anyone else can purchase a box containing 10 nutritionally balanced heat-and-serve meals.

"They have frozen TV dinners beat by a mile," said volunteer Jacqueline DeCelle. "I've tried all of them and they are excellent for someone who lives alone."

Angel Food also has something for people with food allergies.

While picking up her recent order, Cynthia Wilson of Newton, N.H., said she was thrilled to learn the program was offering an Allergen-Free food box. She'd heard about the Angel Food program from her daughter in New York state.

"My daughter said the food is very good and since I'm retired, and on a budget, this is a huge help to me," Wilson said. "I've compared similar food items at local markets and I found this was less money."

To learn more about the Angel Food Ministry, visit online at www.angelfoodministries.com.

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