Wanda English Burnett, Editor

Many families in Ripley County have taken advantage of a program that offers quality groceries at an affordable price. The Angel Food Ministries program was first introduced by the Goodpasters – Frank and Paula, who simply wanted to help others.

There are no hidden glitches, no criteria to be met to purchase the food and the program is nonprofit. For just $25.00, you’ll get 4 lbs. chicken thighs, 12 inch supreme pizza, 2 lb. Banquet lasagna dinner, 1 lb. chicken breast fajitas, 12 oz. philly steak portions, 2 lb. popcorn chicken, 16 oz. smoked sausage, vegetables and much more. This is part of the July menu that can be ordered at the Ripley County Fairground Park on Thursday, June 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday, June 29, from 4 to 7 p.m. You pay when you order and may do so by check, cash, money order and now food stamps. Pick up date is July 14 also at the fairground park.

This month an extra day to order is being offered. This is especially for those wanting to use food stamps. On July 3 from 10 a.m. until noon, you can place an order at The Upper Room Fellowship located at 833 E. SR 48, 2 miles west of Highway 129 or two miles east of 229, outside of Napoleon.
The Goodpasters pastor this church and say they are so thankful for the support they get from their congregation.

Last month 353 units of food, along with 213 specials (a special is a package of meat that is offered monthly in addition to the food unit) were picked up on distribution day.

Not only does the program offer affordable food, it makes it possible for those in dire need to receive food absolutely free. Here’s how it works. For every 50 units ordered, one free unit is shipped. “We donate those to needy families and the two food banks in Osgood - The Fishes & Loaves and the Trustee’s Food Store,” noted the Goodpasters.

They feel the program is a blessing and know it has helped people who really need it.
If your church or organization is interested in learning more, you’re invited to come and learn about the program on July 14. There are a host of churches who have provided volunteers since the inception of the program. There are no religious barriers with Methodist, Baptist, Independent, Catholic, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and others coming on board. “We simply couldn’t do it without these wonderful volunteers,” Paula noted, saying they are “blessings at work.”
“We want people to know this is not a handout,” Paula included. This is a faith-based program that began in a church in Georgia and has spread throughout the U.S. There are no income guidelines, everyone is invited to take advantage of the good deal.

For more information call the Goodpasters at 812-852-2223.