Angel Food Ministries - May 2009 Boxes

Click on the picture for a larger view.

We had a break from the heat and humidity. For about 2 seconds. Ugh.

The lawn needs to be cut, things need to be trimmed up, weeds need to be pulled but it is just too darned hot!! So much easier to stay in the air conditioning and watch tv. Or blog! Well, hey... it is Sunday. A day of rest and a day to truly focus on the Lord and on His work in and through us.

I picked up my boxes from Angel Food Ministries yesterday. I tried to get everything in the picture that I could, but there is some stuff buried underneath you can't see in the picture - a 3 pound bag of apples, a 3 pound bag of oranges, a 2 pound bag of red potatoes and a 3 pound bag of Idahos, a large honeydew melon, the shelf stable milk - but I had to hurry up the shot to get the freezer stuff put away, so hopefully you can get the general idea with the list below.

This month I didn't buy much because I have a pretty full freezer with a good bit of beef in there, and the meat boxes that were offered didn't really appeal to me anyway. I need to focus on a more balanced plate and getting in some more vegetables, which I love, but the Hubs doesn't, so I haven't been very diligent about getting them in here lately. He would be happy eating just meat alone. I prefer more fresh vegetables than meat, and I've been so carb heavy here lately that I went for the produce boxes this month. He will just have to suffer through it! {I have also been remiss about getting in any Intentional Exercise too, but that's a whole 'nother post...sigh...}

Anyhoo... I have been buying Angel Food boxes for about a year now and overall I am pleased. The food is of excellent quality, I feel like I'm getting a good buy and I'm overall very happy with my purchases, but, the last few 4-pack ribeyes that were part of the Signature Boxes {not part of the boxed specials} were full of gristle - something that should not be a consideration in a steak like ribeye! But then we had some t-bones that were from the box specials and they were tender and delicious, so the best I can say about the steaks is that well, they have been hit or miss lately. I have written a complaint about it to the Angel Food Ministries Corporate office and if you have had some disappointing purchases, please contact them and let them know. Hopefully that will result in them changing their buying source if enough people let them know of quality issues with anything that you buy.

This month I only bought the Signature Box and the two Fresh Fruit & Veggie Boxes. The standard fruit and veggie box varies each month, but typically includes basics like lettuce, celery, sweet onions, red onions, garlic, carrots, apples & oranges - that kind of stuff. But this month was the first time that they offered a fruit & veggie box that they called "Latin Flavors," so I was excited to give it a try. Course I'm gonna have to come up with recipes that use things like key limes, jalapeno peppers, avocados, calabacita & chayote squash - items that are just not common in old fashioned southern cooking!

By the way, they did include some recipe sheets, but as always ... I am open to any and all suggestions for what to do with these lovely pieces of produce! The quality of the vegetables is outstanding so I was very pleased with this purchase and looking forward to trying the Latin Flavors box for June which includes things like plantains, mangoes, yucca root, and jicama along with more jalapeno peppers, avocados, and key limes again. I'm definitely gonna have to visit some fellow bloggers who are a bit more expert with these types of vegetables - like my pal Joyce over at Just Joycee or Magdiel & Lindsay over at Mexico: Food, Drinks & More! If anybody has any other sites that they frequent, please let me know! I'll love ya forever. :)

The deadline for my host site for June orders is June 14th, so if you're interested in trying Angel Food Ministries, first check to see if there is a host site near you, and then check out the menu. You do have to purchase a basic box first - which is either the Signature Box, the Senior/Convenience Meal (frozen dinners) box, the Allergen-Free box, or the Seafood Box - before you can purchase the other specials, but in my opinion the combination of the two groups is really where you get your value. Next month for specials they have a grill box with 1.5 pounds of New York Strip steaks, 2 pounds of thick cut Boston Butt chops, 2 pounds of baby back ribs and 1.5 pounds of bratwurst with cheese - I'll probably get 1 or 2 of those. They also have a 4.5 pound meat & chicken combo box and an 11 pound chicken combo box - go and check it out! Generally pick up will be 1 to 2 weeks after you place your order but deadlines vary by location, and some locations have internet ordering, which really simplifies the whole process.

According to the website,

"Angel Food is available in a quantity that can fit into a medium-sized box at $30 per unit. Each month's menu is different than the previous month and consists of both fresh and frozen items with an average retail value of approximately $60. 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 from 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 could 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 an individual can receive, and there are no applications to complete or qualifications to which participants must adhere. Angel Food Ministries also participates in the U.S. Food Stamp program, using the Off-Line Food Stamp Voucher system."

Here's what was included in my basic box and the two produce specials for May, pictured above. I have only included what I purchased, not all of the boxes that were available. My total was $74.00.

May 2009 Angel Food Ministries Box Ingredients

Signature Box - $30.00

2.5 lb. Lean Chopped Beef Steaks (5 x 8 oz.)
5 lb. Leg Quarters
2 lb. Chicken and Corn Bread Stuffing Casserole (Ready to Cook)
28 oz. Salisbury Steak Dinner Entrée
1 lb. Boneless Pork Chops (4 x 4 oz.)
1 lb. Corn Dogs (6 ct.)
12 oz. Deli Sliced Ham
5 oz. Chunk Light Tuna in Water
32 oz. French Fries
1 lb. Sweet Corn
15 oz. Musselman’s canned Apple Sauce
15 oz. canned Pears
8 oz. Dinner Roll Mix - Makes 8 Nice Rolls
7.5 oz. Mac ’n Cheese
32 oz. 2% Shelf Stable Milk
Dozen Eggs
Apple Pie

MAY SPECIAL #5
Fresh Fruit and Veggie Box - $22.00

1 head Premium Fresh California Iceberg Lettuce
1 head Premium Fresh California Romaine Lettuce
1 5 oz. Package Fresh Gourmet Classic Caesar Croutons
1 Package Wiley’s Citrus Garlic Salad Seasoning
1 lb. California Cello-Pack Carrots
2 each Premium Jumbo Vidalia Sweet Onions
1 each Premium Jumbo Red Onion
1 6 oz. Bag Premium Fresh Florida Red Radishes
1 head Premium Fresh Green Cabbage
3 lb. Premium Idaho Baking Potatoes
3 lb. Premium Tree-Ripened Valencia Oranges
3 lb. Premium Washington State Red Delicious Apples
1 each Premium Large Vine Ripened Honeydew Melon
AFM May 2009 Fruit and Veggie Recipe Sheet

MAY SPECIAL #6
"Latin Flavors" Fresh Fruit and Veggie Box - $22.00

6 Large Roma Tomatoes (Pink Color)
4 pack Premium California Hass Avocados
1 head Premium Fresh Green Cabbage
2 lb. Premium Fresh Key Limes
1 lb. Premium Fresh Jalapeno Peppers
2 lb. Premium Fresh New Crop B Size Red Potatoes
1 lb. Premium Fresh California Cello-Pack Carrots
1 5 ct. Premium Fresh Garlic
2 lb. Premium Fresh Large-Medium White Onions
2 each Premium Fresh Chayote Squash
4 each Premium Calabacita Squash
1 each Premium Fresh Celery-Sleeve
1 each Premium Sweet Red Seedless Watermelon
AFM May 2009 "Latin Flavors" Recipe Sheet

Note: I highly recommend preparing the produce that you are not going to use soon for the freezer, and storing what you know you'll be using soon in Debbie Meyer Green Bags. I have been using these for long enough now to tell you that while I don't recommend them for storing bananas at all, or tomatoes on the shelf {though I've stored a cut up one in them for a couple of days successfully} they definitely do help with most other produce items! Click here to read my review.

To see some of the previous boxes I have blogged about click here.

To view some recipes I've made using box ingredients click here.

I'll be back to postin' about food tomorrow y'all, so in the meantime, have a very blessed & peaceful rest of the weekend.

Angel Food Ministries - April Boxes

So, I picked up my Angel Food Ministries Boxes this morning. I didn't buy much this month, just the Basic Signature Box and two of the specials - hamburger steaks and IQF chicken (those cardboard boxes you see up there), so it's not very exciting. My freezer was pretty full already and now it's really full, and hurricane season is right around the corner. Though we do have a generator, I still don't like having a fully loaded freezer just in case. Sometimes gasoline is a precious commodity after a storm and you can't run a generator without it!

I was a little disappointed about the 10 pound chicken box, because I was expecting IQF boneless skinless chicken breasts, and what apparently was substituted was IQF boneless, skinless chicken breast meat. While there were some large pieces it is mostly chicken chunks. Nothing wrong with that, but since I already have a bunch of chicken tenders {chicken tenders from last month that were supposed to be breaded chicken tenders, but again, another substitute, were plain IQF} still left, I really didn't really need more plain chicken pieces!

Oh well, that is one of the few downfalls of Angel Food Ministries. Sometimes there are substitutions, and you don't know till you pick up your order. Well, between what I had, this new 10 pound box, and the chicken included in the signature box this month, I have chicken chunks coming out of my ears!

My total this month was $69 and this is what the boxes contained. {I think I got it all}

10 pounds of Individually Quick Frozen Chicken Breast Meat
6 pounds lean all beef Hamburger Steaks (12 patties)
4 (6 ounce) New York Strip Steaks
2 pound package of Chicken Breast for Stir Fry (boneless/skinless chunks)
2 pounds of Breaded Chicken Breast Fillets
1 pound package of Steak Fajita Strips
1 (20 ounce) frozen Supreme Pizza
1 Jumbo Beef Patties Frozen Meal with Gravy (1 pound 12 ounce package)
1 pound package of Hot Dogs
1 (10 ounce) package of Individually Wrapped Sliced Cheese
1 pound of Frozen Mixed Vegetables
2 pound bag of French Fries
1 (12 count) package of White Corn Tortillas
1 pound bag of Rice
1 (15 ounce) can of Peach Halves
1 (6 ounce) package of Pancake Mix
1 (32 ounce) 2% Shelf Stable Milk
1 Dozen Eggs
1 Frozen Apple Pie

Well, got some stuff to plant so I'm off to go dig in the dirt! Guess what's for dinner ...

Have an excellent weekend everybody - I know y'all are all outside diggin' in the dirt too, right?

Click here for some recipe ideas using Angel Food Ministries ingredients!

Angel Food Ministries - March Boxes

Thankfully the storms have moved out of here (finally) and the sun is shining again! Things were rockin' and rollin' around here (again) at about 3:30 a.m. and woke me (again) so after three nights of this, I am one exhausted gal I'm tellin' y'all. My heart and prayers go out to those who have endured damage and loss in these recent storms, those in the path of the last one still, and for all who are dealing with the flooding along the Red River.

In between hopefully napping a bit over the weekend, I have lots of housework to catch up on too so things will be quieter around here for a couple days, though I do have some recipes to post - just gotta get 'em typed up! But... I picked up my Angel Food Ministries boxes this morning and wanted to make a quick post to share with y'all about what I got this month... just in case you've been sitting on the fence trying to decide whether to try this or not.

Angel Food Ministries is for everyone You don't have to meet any eligibility requirements, it's not charity, or welfare, or a government assistance program or anything like that. It is most like a food co-op - a large group of people purchasing together at a discounted price.

Remember too, that if you don't already have a host site for Angel Food Ministries in your area, it may be possible to get one started - and if you do, you'll certainly be bringing a sorely needed benefit to your community, especially in these hard economic times. Check their website for the details.

Also, if this mix of food doesn't particularly suit you, there were also 2 other regular boxes (the senior/convenience frozen dinners and a new allergen free food box), plus 2 meat special boxes (steaks, ribs, chops, etc.) and a Easter dinner sides box (dressing, green beans, mashed potatoes, etc.) that I didn't buy for March. For April, besides the regular box, senior box, allergen free box and the usual meat specials, they are also offering a seafood box for the first time ever. It includes Alaskan salmon, IQF whiting fillets and IQF large shrimp. Click here for the complete menu for April.

Deadlines to order for April do vary according to location, but for my area, it is Sunday, April 12th, 2009 for online ordering. Pick up day is usually 2 weeks after that; for me that is Saturday, April 25th.

I have a few recipes up, but don't forget that Susanne over at Hillbilly Housewife posts monthly menus based on Angel Food Ministries ingredients. Now this is generally based on the regular basic box ingredients if I recall correctly, and the wider variety of meats are gonna be in the meat special boxes, so you're on your own there, but be sure to check her site out.

Here's what I purchased for my March box - remember current ordering is for April boxes now. My freezer is stocked!

March Angel Food Ministries Food Boxes

Total: $122 - 2 Signature (Regular) Boxes ($60); Easter Dinner Box ($22); Chicken Tenders Box ($18); Fresh Fruit & Veggie Box ($22)

8 (6 ounce each) ribeye steaks
6 pounds split chicken breasts
3 pounds of country fried steak patties
2 pounds of 80/20 ground beef
2 pounds fully cooked meatballs
2 pounds of ground turkey
2 pounds of mild Italian sausage
1 (2 pound) beef meatloaf with vegetables
1 (2 pound) beef roast
1 (2 pound) boneless pork roast
10 pounds of IQF chicken tenders (plain, unbreaded)
2 pounds of thin spaghetti pasta noodles
2 (28 ounce) canned spaghetti sauce
4 (10.5 ounce) cans of condensed tomato soup
2 (1 pound) packages of dried pinto beans
2 (32 ounce) cartons of shelf stable milk
2 dozen eggs
2 blueberry pies
2 pounds of frozen diced carrots
2 pounds of frozen cut green beans
2 (20 ounce) bags of shoestring french fries
3 pounds of Idaho baking potatoes
3 pounds of North Carolina sweet potatoes
1 head of Florida green cabbage
1 pound California whole carrots
2 pounds of yellow onions
2 heads of garlic
1 large cantaloupe
3 pounds of Valencia oranges
4 honey tangerines
4 Washington State Granny Smith apples
3 pounds of Washington State Fuji apples
1 mango

That's it for me - have a great weekend everybody!

Click here for some recipe ideas using Angel Food Ministries ingredients!

Angel Food Ministries - February 2009

Just wanted to plug in my monthly reminder about the Angel Food Ministries program because the deadline for February ordering is coming up here quickly. Some host sites you have to go to in person to order, others have online ordering. Check the website for a host site near you to find out how and when to order.

For the host site in my area the last day for online ordering is February 15th.

You can purchase multiples of the basic box of course, and there is also a Senior basic box that is made of home-style frozen meals, perfect for an elderly parent or neighbor.  If you purchase at least one of those two basic boxes, you may then order some of the specials. 

For February there are 6 other specials that you can order, including a fruit and veggie box, a tangerine box, a sides and fixin's box, a fajita box, a steak box and a mixed meat box. The full February menu is posted below so check it out for the specifics on all the specials. 

Angel Food Ministries is for everyone. You don't have to meet any eligibility requirements, it's not charity, or welfare, or a government assistance program or anything like that. 

It is most like a food co-op - a large group of people purchasing together at a discounted price.

It has really been a blessing for our family in these tough economic times, but if you're blessed enough not to need any help with your grocery budget, I'll bet you know someone who could use some help. Why not order one or more of the basic boxes to provide to families that you know of who are in need? It's a great way to tithe from your blessings, give back to someone in need, or simply pay it forward. I'll bet whoever you help with one will be grateful that you thought of them.

I was hungred and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in. Naked and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.... Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
(Matt. 25:35-40)

February 2009 Angel Food Ministries Menu

REGULAR BOX $30
Balanced nutrition and variety with enough food to feed a family of four for a week.

1.5 lb. Sirloin Strip Steaks 4 x 6 oz.)
2 lb. Tray Pack Chicken Breast
1 lb. Boneless Pork Chops
2 lb. Breaded Chicken Nuggets
28 oz. Salisbury Steak Entrée
12 oz. Sliced Bacon
1 lb. All-Meat Hot Dog
1 lb. Stir Fry (Broccoli, Red Peppers & Onions)
1 lb. Carrots
10 oz. Peanut Butter
32 oz. 2% Shelf Stable Milk
35 oz. Crinkle-Cut Fries
7.25 oz. Mac ‘n Cheese
1 lb. Rice
1 lb. Bean Soup Mix
Dozen Eggs
Dessert

SENIOR/CONVENIENCE BOX $28
For Seniors or People on the Go!

Ten perfectly seasoned, nutritionally balanced, fully cooked meals—just heat and serve. Each meal has been developed with the dietary needs of senior citizens in mind, and contains 3 oz. of protein, a starch & two vegetables or fruit.

-Beef Chili Macaroni Casserole with Diced Carrots and Green Beans
-Ham & White Beans with Diced Sweet Potatoes and Winter Blend Vegetables
-Creamy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo with Corn and Capri Blend Vegetables
-Sweet & Sour Pork with Rice, Peas and Carrots, and Squash Medley
-Flame Broiled BBQ Chicken Breast with Diced Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli
-Seasoned Beef Chili with Beans, Broccoli and Applesauce
-Beef Meatballs & Shell Pasta with Creamy Alfredo Sauce, Green Bean Casserole and Squash Medley
-Pot Roast and Gravy with Vegetables, Diced Potatoes and Green Peas
-Creamy Macaroni & Cheese with Diced Carrots and Green Peas
-Grilled Chicken Breast over Rice & Gravy with Diced Carrots and Green Peas
-10 2-pack, individually-wrapped cookies

**One or More Specials Below Available Only with the Purchase of One or More of the Boxes Above**

FEBRUARY SPECIAL #1
6 lb. Assorted Meat Box $22.00

1.5 lb. Bone-In Ribeye Steak (2 x 12 oz.)
1.5 lb. Bacon-Wrapped Lean Ground Beef Patties (4 x 6 oz.)
2 lb. Thick-Cut Pork Chops (4 x 8 oz.)
1 lb. Mild Italian Sausage with Mozzarella Cheese

FEBRUARY SPECIAL #2
4 lb. Steak Combo $21.00

2.5 lb. T-Bone Steaks (4 x 10 oz.)
1.5 lb. New York Strip Steaks (2 x 12 oz.)

FEBRUARY SPECIAL #3
Super Value Fajita Kit (5+ lbs.) $21.00

2 lb. Steak Fajita Strip Packs (2 x 1 lb.)
2 lb. Chicken Breast Fajita Strip Packs (2 x 1 lb.)
1 lb. Onions & Bell Peppers
20 ct. 8” Flour Tortillas

FEBRUARY SPECIAL #4
Frozen Side & Fixin’s Box $16.00
Compliments our Great Steak and Chicken Boxes

2 lb. Heat & Serve Corn
2 lb. Heat & Serve Green Beans
2 lb. Heat & Serve Mashed Potatoes
1 Brown Gravy Mix
8 ct. Dinner Roll
1 Pie

FEBRUARY SPECIAL #5
Fresh Fruit and Veggie Box $21.00

3 lb. No. 1 Premium Idaho Baking Potatoes
3 lb. No. 1 Premium North Carolina Sweet Potatoes
2 lb. No. 1 Premium New Crop Western Grown Yellow Onions
9 oz. California Premium Raisins
1 lb. Premium California Grown Carrots
1 head Premium Fresh Green Cabbage
3 lb. New Crop Tree-Ripened Red Delicious Apples
2 each Premium Washington State Anjou Pears
1 each Premium Golden Sweet Pineapple
3 lb. New Crop Premium Florida Tree-Ripened Valencia Oranges

FEBRUARY SPECIAL #6
Tangerine Box $15.00

2/5 Bushel New Crop Florida Tree-Ripened Honey Tangerines (approximately 20-21 pounds or 70-75 tangerines)

Click here for some recipe ideas using Angel Food Ministries ingredients!

Angel Food Ministries

I have noticed that things have been fairly quiet on the food blog front these past few days, even for me who sometimes posts multiple times a day!   (I'm pretty sure some of those posts get totally missed!)

Well, on my end, hubs and I have been relaxing, watching football, and working leftovers for several days now, so I haven't been cooking anything new. I really thought that I would have tons of leftover brisket to use for other dishes, but hubs has been really chowing down on that the most, and even I have to admit it sure makes for an awesome sandwich! Hubs tends to zap everything in the microwave on high so I told him the secret of course is to slowly warm it in the microwave on a lower temperature and not dry it out! Slowly warmed up that way, it sure is delicious! I have totally been enjoying the seafood gumbo, and as gumbo does, it has only gotten better each day. And of course we still have a bit of corned beef and cabbage and black-eyed peas to finish off too, though that is just about gone now, as are many of the sweets (finally!).

I suspect dealing with leftovers is the reason for all the quiet in the rest of the food blog world too. Hubs and I will be working over this weekend on finishing off everything (or freezing what's left), but we have certainly been eatin' good for sure! Such good food and plenty of it! We are truly very blessed.

And speaking of blessings, I wanted to stick in a reminder here about Angel Food Ministries again because the deadline for January ordering is coming up here quickly. Some host sites you have to go to in person to order, others have online ordering. Check the website for a host site near you to find out how and when to order.

For the host site in my area the last day for online ordering is January 11th.

You can purchase multiples of the basic box of course, but if you purchase at least one basic box, you may then order some of the specials. There are 5 other specials that you can order in January, including a fruit and veggie box, a chicken combo box, and several different meat boxes. I posted the full January menu here so check it out for the specifics on all the specials. I've reposted the basic box below, but there is also a Senior basic box that is made of home-style frozen meals, perfect for an elderly parent or neighbor.

Angel Food Ministries is for everyone. You don't have to meet any eligibility requirements, it's not charity, or welfare, or a government assistance program or anything like that. It is most like a food co-op - a large group of people purchasing together at a discounted price.

It has really been a blessing for our family in this tough economic time, but if you're blessed enough not to need any help with your grocery budget, I'll bet you know someone who could use some help. Why not order one or more of the basic boxes to provide to families that you know of who are in need? It's a great way to tithe from your blessings, give back to someone in need, or simply pay it forward. I'll bet whoever you help with one will be grateful that you thought of them.

I was hungred and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in. Naked and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.... Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
(Matt. 25:35-40)

Angel Food Ministries 

January 2009 Basic Box

Basic Box #1 - REGULAR BOX - $30
Balanced nutrition and variety
with enough food to feed
a family of four for a week.

1.5 lb. Ribeye Steak (4 x 6 oz.)
4 lb. Leg Quarters
1.5 lb. Beef Patties (4 x 6 oz.)
18 oz. Cheese Filled Manicotti
2 lb. Pork Rib Strips
1 lb. Chicken Breast Fajita Strips
1 lb. Ground Turkey
1 lb. Broccoli
1 lb. Peas
6 ct. Oatmeal Variety Box
2 each-Regular, Maple Brown Sugar and Apple Cinnamon
32 oz. 2% Shelf Stable Milk
8 oz. Blueberry Muffin Mix
12 ct. White Corn Tortillas
1 lb. Pinto Beans
7 oz. Chicken Flavored Rice & Vermicelli
One Dozen Eggs
Dessert Item

~

Angel Food Ministries

Note: Click here for recipes I have made that included Angel Food Ministries food box ingredients. Hopefully this will be expanded as the blog moves along.

I have to put in a quick plug for Angel Food Ministries because it has been such a saving grace for my family - especially in these difficult times. With the exception of recent holiday purchases, my primary groceries are purchased through AFM and since we are on a fixed pension, it truly has helped tremendously with our food budget. One of the blogs I follow belongs to Susanne over at Hillbilly Housewife, who graciously posts monthly menus that go along with the AFM boxes. Besides having a great website with some basic, frugal and delicious recipes, Susanne is just a sweetheart. She's dealing with a loss many of us cannot imagine and feeling a bit down so if you have a minute stop by and give her some encouragement if you can.

Angel Food Ministries is not a charity - it's more like a food co-op than anything really - there are no special requirements, no applications, anyone can participate, and if fact if you are blessed enough to have more than enough, you can simply order meal boxes through AFM to give away to families you know of who are in need in your area. Many sites now take online orders which allows you to use your debit or credit card online, and all host sites accept food stamps. To find a host site near you, go here and plug in your zip code.

The deadline for January ordering varies by location - at my host site I can order online until January 11th. Pick up dates are generally 2 weeks after the last day to order.

Hubs and I are still working on trying to eat up those freezer Senior meals that I ended up with after I totally lost track of days and forgot to pick up my December boxes right before Thanksgiving. We really need to get the freezer cleaned out, especially since I just went grocery shopping (because I have some yummy meals planned to show ya'll) and this Saturday it is time for the next box pickup so I'll be filling up the freezer again.

I have to admit that these little meals are better than I expected, though not something I will probably buy in the future just because I prefer cooking fresh. Still, these appear to be home made dinners that have been packaged in divided plates and then frozen and would be wonderful for anybody who is worried that their elderly parents or even an elderly neighbor may not be eating regularly.

Update: I recently had a reader email to ask about preparation of the senior meals after having a parent complain of hard edges on the meats and mushy vegetables. Now, I'm certainly no expert, but here's my reply in case anybody else happens across this from a google search on how to prepare Angel Food Ministries senior meals.

...microwaves tend to vary so much so she may need to go a shorter time if she's got a powerful microwave.

I had a couple left in the freezer so I grabbed one of the chili con carne with beans dinner with mac and carrots. Here's what it says and if I recall most of them were along the same lines.

If the dinner is frozen most of them say to go for 10 to 12 minutes on high, if thawed 8 to 10 minutes, then need to rest for 10-15 minutes before eating, though honestly we never waited that long! Most of them also say to vent by cutting into all four corners of the top so if she's not doing that it could be over steaming the veggies and making them mushy.

They can also be done in the oven, so she might have better luck with that - vent the same way, cook at 300 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes if frozen. If thawed 325 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes. The seniors at the church where I pick up RAVE over how good these meals are and they keep buying them month after month so they must be pretty good! This church actually even serves an entire retirement home they have so many orders there.

I'm posting the food boxes for January 2009 to give you an idea of what you can buy. You must purchase at least one of the basic boxes to buy any of the specials, and you may also purchase the basic boxes in multiples if you would like. The combination of the boxes with the purchase of the other boxes is where you will find the best variety and most savings, than with just the basic boxes alone. If you could use a hand with your grocery costs, look into Angel Food Ministries. It truly is a blessing.

Basic Box #1 - REGULAR BOX - $30
Balanced nutrition and variety with enough food to feed a family of four for a week.

1.5 lb. Ribeye Steak (4 x 6 oz.)
4 lb. Leg Quarters
1.5 lb. Beef Patties (4 x 6 oz.)
18 oz. Cheese Filled Manicotti
2 lb. Pork Rib Strips
1 lb. Chicken Breast Fajita Strips
1 lb. Ground Turkey
1 lb. Broccoli
1 lb. Peas
6 ct. Oatmeal Variety Box
2 each-Regular, Maple Brown Sugar and Apple Cinnamon
32 oz. 2% Shelf Stable Milk
8 oz. Blueberry Muffin Mix
12 ct. White Corn Tortillas
1 lb. Pinto Beans
7 oz. Chicken Flavored Rice & Vermicelli
One Dozen Eggs
Dessert Item


Basic Box #2 - SENIOR/CONVENIENCE BOX $28 (these are what I was discussing above)

For Seniors or People on the Go! Ten perfectly seasoned, nutritionally balanced, fully cooked meals—just heat and serve. Each meal has been developed with the dietary needs of senior citizens in mind, and contains 3 oz. of protein, a starch & two vegetables or fruit.

1. New Orleans Style Chicken over Savory Rice with Okra & Tomatoes and Diced Sweet Potatoes
2. Grilled Chicken Strips & Penne Pasta with Creamy Tomato Basil Sauce, Capri Blend Vegetables and Green Beans with Onions and Red Peppers
3. Beef & Bowtie Pasta with Herbed Tomato Sauce, Capri Blend Vegetables and Corn
4. Flame-Broiled Salisbury Steak with Brown Gravy, Sour Cream & Chive Potatoes and Mixed Vegetables
5. Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole with Rice, Green Beans and Squash Medley
6. Classic Chicken Tetrazzini with Diced Carrots and Green Peas
7. Country Fried Steak with Cream Gravy, Red Skin Whipped Potatoes and Mixed Vegetables
8. Spaghetti with Meatballs, Green Beans and Cinnamon Applesauce
9. Chicken Parmesan with Whipped Potatoes and Capri Blend Vegetables
10. Flame-Broiled Beef Patty with Onion Gravy, Sour Cream & Chive Potatoes and Capri Blend Vegetables

10 Desserts included with Senior/Convenience Meals


JANUARY SPECIAL #1 - 6 lb. Assorted Combo Box $22.00

1.5 lb. Bone-In New York Strips (2 x 12 oz.)
1 lb. Sirloin Strips (2 x 8 oz.)
1.5 lb. Boneless Pork Chops -Thick Cut (4 x 6 oz.)
2 lb. Hamburger Steak (4 x 8 oz.)


JANUARY SPECIAL #2 - 4.5 lb. Bacon-Wrapped Meat Combo $21.00

1.5 lb. Bacon-Wrapped Beef Filet (4 x 6 oz.)
1.5 lb. Bacon-Wrapped Pork Filet (4 x 6 oz.)
1.5 lb. Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Filet (4 x 6 oz.)


JANUARY SPECIAL #3 - 3.75 lb. T-Bone Special $21.00

3.75 lb. T-Bone Steaks (5 x 12 oz.)


JANUARY SPECIAL #4 - 10 lb. Chicken Combo Box $20.00

4.5 lb. (avg.) Whole Perdue Chicken
2 lb. Wings
2 lb. Chicken Nuggets
2 lb. Breaded Chicken Tenders


JANUARY SPECIAL #5 - Fresh Fruit and Veggie Box $21.00

4 lb. New Crop Idaho Baking Potatoes
3 lb. New Crop North Carolina Sweet Potatoes
2 lb. Western Grown Medium Yellow Onions
4 lb. Tree Ripened Navel Oranges
½ lb. New Crop Georgia Grown Pecan Halves
2 ea. Tree Ripened Florida Red Grapefruit
1 head New Crop Florida Green Cabbage
1 lb. Western Grown Carrots (cello packed)
4 ea. Tree Ripened Florida Tangerines
4 ea. Washington State Bosc Pears

Leftovers Night

Tonight ... leftovers! And, we have at least a single serving or more of each of these to choose from:

Beef Stroganoff and some peas, or

Meatloaf and some peas, or

Southern Style Country Steak and a serving of mashed potatoes, or

Spaghetti & Meatballs, which I threw together one evening using my typical basic sauce such as I used in this recipe (minus the shrimp, Cajun seasoning and switched the red bell pepper to some green bell pepper) and then I added some premade meatballs, courtesy of my Angel Food Ministries box, or

One broccoli stuffed and breaded chicken breast also courtesy of one of my Angel Food Ministries boxes. Course hubby ain't gonna touch that broccoli with a 10 foot pole! (least not on purpose)

Not a bad menu, eh? But there's always sandwiches too if none of that appeals to the hubs. And, me thinks this is enough to get through Sunday and heck, possibly even part of Monday too to get the fridge cleaned and all the leftovers eaten.   With the economy the way it is, and money tight, sounds like a plan to me!

Click here for some recipe ideas using Angel Food Ministries ingredients!

Meatloaf, Potatoes & Green Beans

Tonight's dinner was simple comfort food, compliments of Angel Food Ministries. Since I have been out of work for awhile now (and with little prospect of getting back to work in this economy), I started purchasing the Angel Food boxes several months ago and have found it to be a great budget stretcher. I do most of my grocery shopping at the WalMart Supercenter, primarily because it's the closest store and also it's awfully convenient to get everything in one place, and I have found that my food bill has gone down substantially since purchasing food through the Angel Food Ministries plan.

There is a basic $30 food box - generally there are at least 2 of those to choose from - this month, there is a Thanksgiving box too. Once you purchase the basic box, you then have the option of selecting from any number of meat specials that are available. This is where we now get the majority of the meat that we eat.

The food is excellent quality and a great value and has been such a blessing for my husband and me since we are on a fixed income. It is not a charity, rather more like a food co-op really, so there are no qualifications that must be met, or applications to be made - anybody can buy! And you can buy as many boxes as you want. Click on that link and and check them out if you need a little help with your food budget in these difficult financial times.

This month's box had a premade meatloaf with brown gravy (that was pretty darned tasty) and that's what we had for dinner tonight, to which I added steamed green beans and a baked potato, and a couple slices of the whole wheat bread I made today.

If you think Angel Food Ministries might be something you'd be interested in too, either for yourself or for someone else, click on the link and see if there is a host sight near you. Some people purchase them to give to families in need. Some host sites also take the orders over the internet now so all you'll have to do then is show up on distribution day - or send a teen - to pick up your boxes!

Here's the November 2008 menu.

Basic Box #1 - $30

1.5 lb. New York Strip Steak (4 x 6 oz.)
3 lb. IQF Split Chicken Breast
2 lb. Baby Back Pork Ribs
2 lb. Chicken Chunks
2 8 oz. Jumbo Charbroiled Beef Patties with Gravy
1 lb. Smoked Sausage
1 lb. Ground Turkey
1 lb. Green Beans
1 lb. Diced Sweet Potatoes
10 oz. Peanut Butter
15 oz. Cranberry Sauce
7 oz. Beef-Flavored Rice & Vermicelli
20 oz.Shoestring Fries
32 oz. 2% Reduced Fat Shelf-Stable Milk
6 oz. Pancake Mix
One Dozen Eggs
One Dessert Item

THANKSGIVING DINNER BOX #2 - $30
(Quantities are Limited, So Place Your Order Today!!)

Our special holiday box contains everything you need for a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Order one for your family and one for a family in need this holiday season.
Feeds average Family including 2 adults and 2 children.

7lb. (avg.) Perdue Roasting Hen
2 lb. Heat and Serve Mashed Potatoes
2 lb. Heat and Serve Corn
2 lb. Heat and Serve Green Beans
17 oz. Cornbread Stuffing
4.5 oz. Brown Gravy Mix
15 oz. Cranberry Sauce
8 Dinner Rolls
One Dessert Item

SENIOR/CONVENIENCE BOX #3 - $28
For Seniors or People on the Go! (These must be like frozen dinners I think?)

Ten perfectly seasoned, nutritionally balanced, fully cooked meals—just heat and serve. Each meal has been developed with the dietary needs of senior citizens in mind, and contains 3 oz. of protein, a starch & two vegetables or fruit.

Sweet 'n Sour Chicken: Slow-Cooked Chicken Chunks served in a Sweet 'n Sour Sauce over Steamed Rice. Steamed Broccoli with Mushroom Pieces accompanied by Wax Beans.

Spaghetti with Meat Sauce: Spaghetti Noodles served with a Rich Traditional Italian Meat Sauce, Seasoned Italian Green Beans, Diced Pears and an Oatmeal Cookie.

Chili Con Carne: Chili Con Carne with Ground Beef served with Elbow Macaroni, Carrot Coins and Beets with Onions.

Chicken with Creole Sauce: Tender Chicken Pieces served with Classic Creole Sauce, accompanied by Mashed Potatoes, Peas with Mushrooms and Pineapple Chunks.

Ground Beef Teriyaki Stir Fry: Seasoned Ground Beef with a Teriyaki-Flavored Sauce served over Penne Noodles, accompanied by Lemon Pepper Green Beans, and a Sugar Cookie.

Chicken Ala King: Luscious Chicken in traditional Ala King-Style Sauce, served over Rice, with Seasoned Green Beans and Sliced Beets.

Beef Cabbage Casserole: Seasoned Ground Beef interlaced with delicious Cabbage Leaves, served with Creamed Potatoes and Green Peas with Carrots.

Chicken Rice Pilaf: Tender White Chicken served over perfect White Rice Pilaf, accompanied by Broccoli Cuts with Diced Red Peppers and a Chocolate Chip Cookie.

Turkey Tetrazzini: Diced Turkey in a luscious Cream Sauce with Mushroom Pieces served over Spaghetti, accompanied by Seasoned Green Beans with Onions and Italian Seasoned Diced Tomatoes.

Chicken Stew: Slow-Cooked White Chicken with Diced Potatoes and Diced Tomatoes lightly seasoned and folded into a Chicken-Flavored Broth. Stew is served over lightly seasoned Rice with a side dish of Sliced Celery and Carrot Coins, a Southern Biscuit and Apple Sauce for dessert.

***One or More Specials Below Available Only with the Purchase of Either of the Boxes Above***

NOVEMBER SPECIAL #1
7 lb. Grill Box - $21.00

2 lb. Choice Cut Beef Roast
2 lb. St. Louis Style Pork Ribs
2 lb. Hamburger Beef Steaks (4 x 8 oz.)
1 lb. Mild Italian Sausage with Mozzarella Cheese

NOVEMBER SPECIAL #2
4.5 lb. Meat Combo - $21.00

1.5 lb. Bone-In Ribeye Steaks (2 x 12 oz.)
1.5 lb. Kansas City Strip Steaks (2 x 12 oz.)
1.5 lb. Boneless Center-Cut Pork Chops (4 x 6 oz.)

NOVEMBER SPECIAL #3
4.5 lb. Flavored Boneless/Skinless Chicken Breasts - $18.00

1.5 lb. Rotisserie Flavor (4 x 6 oz.)
1.5 lb. Lemon-Fajita Flavor (4 x 6 oz.)
1.5 lb. Sun-Dried Tomato Flavor (4 x 6 oz.)

NOVEMBER SPECIAL #4
Fresh Fruit and Veggie Box - $21.00

3 lb. North Carolina New Crop Red Rome Apples
3 lb. Washington State New Crop Granny Smith Apples
4 lb. New Crop Florida Navel Orange
1 stalk California Celery (in sleeve)
4 lb. Premium Idaho Baking Potatoes
3 lb. New Crop North Carolina Sweet Potatoes
2 each Ruby Red Florida Grapefruit
1 lb. Premium California Carrots (cello wrapped)
2 lb. Large-Medium Yellow Onions

Click here for some recipe ideas using Angel Food Ministries ingredients!