With the rising price of gas and food, it’s nice to know that there are programs out there that can help alleviate some costs.  Angel Food Ministries is one of those programs.
Angel Food is a is a non-profit, non-denominational organization dedicated to providing grocery relief and financial support to communities throughout the United States. The program was started by Pastors Joe and Linda Wingo in 1994. The program had a humble beginning — 34 families in Monroe, Georgia — and has now since grown to serve hundreds of thousands of families across 35 states.
Erik Lennox and his wife, Charlene, realized that there was a need in this area for a food program when a member of their congregation came to them and told them about a woman who was eating dog food just to survive. 
Erik — pastor at Oakhill Wesleyan Church in McCoole, Md. — heard about Angel Food through the He’s Alive radio program out of Grantsville. After three years, Erik was finally able to provide the program through his church.
“Through hard work, perseverance, and a lot of prayer, God has given us an opportunity to reach out through Angel Food Ministries,” said Erik.  “Angel Food offers Grade A food and is available to anyone to supplement their income — if you eat, you qualify,” said Erik.
Angel Food offers fresh vegetables and fruits and quick frozen steak.  Angel Food does not require  individuals to fill out applications and participants do not have to adhere to any qualifications.
Angel Food distributes a medium-sized box of food, with an average retail value of $60 for only $30. 
Each month, a new menu is available along with speciality boxes of chicken, steak, and pork.
“This program is a really good program for those who can’t afford meat,” said Erik.
Angel Food also participates in the U.S. Food Stamp program via the Off-Line Food Stamp voucher system.
Oakhill Wesleyan Church in McCoole, Md. is the only place in the area that currently offers the Angel Food Program.
In the future, Erik hopes to have enough orders to have the food delivered directly to the church as opposed to having to pick up the food from Grantsville. 
“I am determined to bring this program to as many people in this area as possible,” he said. “Our motto is help us help you save money.”
If you are interested in volunteering — or would like to purchase a box of food — contact Erik via email at  or leave a message at (301) 359-0299.  To learn more about Angel Food Ministries view the website at com