American Federation of Government Employees Local 1916
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American Federation of Government Employees Local 1916
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By PATRICK CLOONAN Daily News Staff Writerpcloonan@dailynewsemail.com
For 18 months, Angel Food Ministries has operated out of McKeesport's Evangelical Congregational Church. "We've had people come down from Natrona Heights," church council President Donald Thomson said, "but I'd say 90 percent of the people are from the Mon Valley." On average, 500 sign up each month. "They come from North Huntingdon Twp., Elizabeth, Swissvale, Baldwin, all over the Mon Valley," Thomson said. The rules remains the same: For $25, one gets a box of 16-18name-brand items. The value of such a box in a conventional supermarket could be as high as $50 to $70. Each box can provide the basic needs of one person for a month. Families can buy several boxes. Additionally, there are specials, priced around $18 each. Also, as remains the case, there's no income limit. "There are people who are amazed that there are no guidelines," Thomson said. While most signers bring cash, up to 10 percent each month use food stamps. "We were surprised," Thomson said. "We thought there would be a lot more (food-stamp users)." Since the first sign-ups in McKeesport in September 2005, the AngelFood outreach also has taken root in such venues as Compassion Connection Inc. in Bethel Park, Lifespring Community Fellowship in North Huntingdon Twp., The Church in Sutersville, and Wilkinsburg Community Ministry. In fact, when Angel Food came to McKeesport, Stanton Heights United Methodist in Pittsburgh was the only other area church that offered the services of the non-profit, non-denominational organization that is dedicated to providing grocery relief to communities throughout the United States. At the time, there were 40 Pennsylvania churches offering Angel Food, mostly in rural areas. Today, there are 146 churches, ministries and other organizations involved. Nationwide, Angel Food has gone from feeding 34 families in February 1994 to dealing with 500,000 families in 32 states by the end of 2006. More are planning to join, including Central Highlands Community United Methodist Church in Elizabeth Twp. It helps fulfill a hope expressed by the Rev. Glen Irvin, Evangelical Congregational's pastor. "They come over here to see what we're doing," Thomson said. "They spread the word in their own congregations." This month's distribution is taking place today from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at the church. One can sign up for February distribution today, or wait until the second weekend of the month. Sign-ups then are set Feb. 9 from 4:30 to 7 p.m., Feb. 10 from 9 a.m. to noon and Feb. 12 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Items ordered on those dates will be available Feb. 24 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. February items include 3 lbs. of breaded chicken tenders and 2 lbs.of breaded chicken breast filets, 1.5 lbs. of St. Louis-style ribs, 4 lbs. of chicken thighs, 1 lb. of ground beef and 10 beef burritos, 12 oz. of smoked sausage and french fries, sugar snap peas, mixed vegetables,pinto beans, taco shells, rice, corn muffin mix, breakfast cereal, eggs and a 27-oz. pie. Scheduled specials include a steak combo, chicken combo, a mixed meat combo and gourmet coffee.
For more details on Angel Food at Evangelical Congregational, call412-673-4033, 412-672-1462 or 724-863-2520, or visit the www.angelfoodministries.org Web site. |
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