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The crowd had gathered early Saturday morning into a nearly full parking lot. A friendly faced security guard guided me to an empty parking space near the entrance. The small red vehicle next to me slowly backed out of the lot with several large boxes of Angel Food. This was our first time participating in the Angel Food program. Sitting next to me, my wife adjusted her coat and scarf before opening the door and venturing out into the cold Minneapolis winter.

The warmth of the door entrance was a welcome escape from the cold outside air. We adjusted our hoods again while receiving a flurry of cheerful greetings by doormen and women with yellow sweatshirts. They pointed toward hot coffee and cream at the registration table. My wife, the talker, communicated more small talk than I did. I turned my attention to the long assembly of food stations stretching endlessly down the long hallway of Living Word Christian Center. The church is one of many distribution headquarters located throughout Minneapolis.

Angel Food is an affordable grocery program that has been a great benefit to Minneapolis communities. The outreach provides an alternative to higher priced food brands found at local grocery stores. People are able to cut their food budget in half while receiving good quality food products. Angel Food programs provide a wonderful example of community support in our difficult economic times. The community comes together in an atmosphere of togetherness and encouragement. People can exchange names and phone numbers for the purpose of networking. They recognize that all are struggling in hard times.

Grabbing a box I proceeded down the line along with a train of friendly faces. The first four or five food stations distribute the meat. Hotdogs, chicken, pork chops, and steaks are placed neatly into the box, topped off with a carton of milk and a dozen of eggs. The pasta comes up next. Elbow macaroni, beans, and rice are followed by two bags of frozen vegetables. Patterns of small talk fill the hallway. "Hello!" "How are you?' "Thank you very much!" These are the phrases of choice. The little children with cute little faces grinned as they participated in the procession. They stacked the boxes with sweet foods such as pies, cakes, and donuts. Once a month the children get to serve adults.

As the Angel Food reached the boxes edges I felt a since of happiness that I was saving money on this month's grocery bill. I could sense this same feeling in my wife as well as others who had reached the end of the distribution line.

While backing out of the parking lot, I could only think of all the communities that needed an outreach such as Angel Foods, especially in difficult times. This food program is seeking leaders who can empathize with the people of their community. Grocery stores will still be the main source of groceries, but an Angel with food comes once a month.

Learn more about this author, Steve Glenn.
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