Angel Food Ministries, which began in 1994 to provide food to friends and neighbors who were struggling financially, helped provide food assistance to more than 500,000 families each month. You do not need to have a religious affiliation to purchase food through this organization. After knowing that you are probably coming here looking for food assistance through Angel Food Ministries.
Unfortunately, Angel Food Ministries is closed nationwide and will not reopen.
Fortunately, there are many regional grocery shopping programs similar to what AFM was and I’ve posted links to a few I found below. These companies are generally considered to be bulk food purchasing programs, of which there are three common types: food box programs, food cooperatives, and bulk purchasing clubs. They all have the same basic purpose: to get nutritious food to people at a lower cost than retail.
List of Alternatives of Angel Food Ministries Program
While programs like Angel Food Ministries have historically provided support to those facing food insecurity, there are numerous alternatives available, each with their own unique approach to addressing this critical issue.
Here are some of the best Angel Food Ministries alternative programs you can find near you:
- Share Food Program (Philadelphia)
- Bountiful Baskets (several states)
- Good Food Box (Canada)
- The Box Food Ministries (GA)
- Azure Standard
- King Foods (Formerly Smart Choice Food Source)
- HIS food ministry:
- Fare For All (Minnesota)
- Community Food Smart (Canada)
- Ruby’s Pantry (Minnesota/Wisconsin)
- Thrive Market
- Glacier Grown Montana/Idaho
- Know Thy Food Coop (Portland, OR)
- Fresh Farms
Share Food Program (Philadelphia)
Serving the Philadelphia area, the Share Food program is dedicated to combating hunger and food insecurity through community-driven initiatives and partnerships. The Share Food Program takes a multifaceted approach to combating hunger. Through partnerships with local farms and food distributors, Share offers a wide range of nutritious options to individuals and families in need. To learn more you can visit their website https://www.sharefoodprogram.org/find-food/
My experience:
I have bought from them before and was really surprised at how much food you get! You can even buy gift cards for others who may need a little help stretching their food budget. In fact, I’m considering signing up for this again.
Bountiful Baskets (Several States)
Bountiful Baskets operates in multiple states and offers affordable baskets of fresh produce sourced directly from local farmers and distributors. Bountiful Baskets stands out for its grassroots approach to food access. Operating in multiple states, this program allows participants to contribute to collective purchasing power, resulting in affordable baskets of fresh produce sourced directly from local producers. For more information visit https://www.bountifulbaskets.org/
Good Food Box (Canada)
Across Canada, the Good Food Box program empowers communities to take charge of their food security. By pooling resources and coordinating bulk purchases, participants receive a variety of fresh, healthy foods at affordable prices. The Good Food Box program enables communities to access fresh, healthy food through collective purchasing and distribution efforts. To locate your nearest center visit https://www.ottawagoodfoodbox.ca/
The Box Food Ministries (GA)
Box Food Ministries serves the state of Georgia by providing food assistance and support to those in need. Through community partnerships and volunteer efforts, they strive to address hunger holistically. Box Food Ministries provides food assistance and support to individuals and families in need. To know more you can check theboxfoodministries.com
Azure Standard
Azure Standard offers a wide range of organic and natural products, including bulk foods and fresh produce, delivered directly to customers’ doors. They offer a wide range of organic and natural products. With a commitment to sustainability and quality, this online marketplace offers bulk food and fresh produce directly to customers nationwide. To locate their location you can check https://www.azurestandard.com/
King Foods (Formerly Smart Choice Food Source)
King Foods, formerly known as Smart Choice Food Source, offers customizable food packages designed to meet the needs of families on a budget. By prioritizing affordability and convenience, they make healthy eating accessible to everyone and offer affordable food packages designed to meet the needs of families on a budget. Know more about their program, visit https://kingfoods.com/
HIS Food Ministry
HIS Food Ministry embodies the spirit of compassion and community. Through outreach efforts and partnerships with local organizations, they work tirelessly to alleviate hunger and food insecurity in their area. They always work to prevent hunger and food insecurity through community outreach and support initiatives. To locate them you can visit their website https://www.hisfoodministry.net/
Fare for all (Minnesota)
In Minnesota, Fare For All takes a hands-on approach to making healthy foods accessible and offers discounted food through distribution sites. By hosting pop-up markets and distribution sites, they offer discounted food and foster community connections in the process. For more information visit your local store, or check out https://fareforall.org/
Community Food Smart (Canada)
Community Food Smart addresses food insecurity in Canada through a combination of affordability and quality. By sourcing locally whenever possible and collaborating with community members, they create a sustainable solution to hunger. To learn more you can check their website https://www.communityfoodsmart.com/
Ruby’s Pantry (Minnesota/Wisconsin)
Serving communities in Minnesota and Wisconsin, Ruby’s Pantry provides surplus food and goods through volunteer-run distribution events. Ruby’s Pantry operates on the principle of waste reduction and community support. By redistributing surplus food and goods through volunteer-organized distribution events, they provide a lifeline to individuals and families facing food insecurity. For more information you can check out https://www.rubyspantry.org/
Thrive Market
Thrive Market revolutionizes access to healthy and sustainable products through its online marketplace. Thrive Market offers a membership-based online marketplace specializing in organic, non-GMO, and sustainable products at discount prices. Find your nearest Thrive Market at https://thrivemarket.com/
Glacier-grown Montana/Idaho
Glacier Grown bridges the gap between consumers and local producers in Montana and Idaho. By promoting sustainably produced and regionally sourced foods, they support farmers and strengthen local food systems. To learn more about the program, visit https://www.glaciergrown.com/
Know Thy Food Coop (Portland, OR)
Based in Portland, Oregon, Know Thy Food Coop operates as a member-owned cooperative. By prioritizing transparency and community engagement, they provide access to locally sourced, organic products while fostering a sense of belonging. To become their member visit https://members.knowthyfood.coop/
Fresh Farms
Fresh Farms (https://www.freshfarms.com/) brings the farm to the table, literally. Through its network of farmers and distributors, Fresh Farms delivers fresh, locally grown produce to communities across the United States, promoting sustainable agriculture and healthy eating habits.
Summary
While the Angel Food Ministries program may be ending or no longer available, there are several alternatives that individuals and families can turn to for help with their food needs. You can easily find these alternatives that can provide much-needed support and assistance to those facing food insecurity.