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Anita King, director of Angel Food Ministries at Faith Christian Family Church in Lapeer, said she'd like more people to take advantage of the good buy her national program is. The church started distributing food orders in February last year from the program.

Participants in the Georgia-based program can receive about $65 worth of restaurant grade food for the price of $30. For that price, a consumer may receive fresh meats, fresh and frozen fruits, vegetables, and staple items.

"We have return customers," King said. "Last year in our first year we served 2,114 families and 10,381 package units of food. In return, it was better than spending $60-$75."

That $30 price is a bargain. According to published reports, the U.S. is contending with the worst food inflation in 17 years. U.S. food prices rose 4% in 2007, compared with an average 2.5% annual rise for the last 15 years the U.S. Department of Agriculture said. The agency said 2008 could be worse with a rise in prices as much as 4.5%.

Angel Food Ministries will take food orders at Faith Christian Family Church, 3440 Davison Road, Lapeer from 1-8 p.m. May 15, and 1-5 p.m. May 16 and 19. The pick up date for the food is 9:30-11:30 a.m. May 31 and participants must bring their own pickup boxes for pickup.

There is no limit on the amount one may purchase and the program does not follow income guidelines.

Checks, cash, money orders, or U.S. Food Stamps are accepted by the program for payment.

King said there is definitely a local need for the ministry. The church is in the Top 10 for host sites in terms of food stamp recipients. "There's a lot of seniors that stretch their money to get food and their prescriptions," she said. "For some it was the first time they've had quality meat. Parents like the popcorn chicken as an afterschool snack for their kids."

For the May menu go to www.lapeerfamilychurch.com. It includes: 1.5 pounds of bacon-wrapped beef filet, 2.5 pounds breaded chicken breast filets, 1.5 pounds bone-in pork steaks, 28 ounce salisbury steak dinner entree, 2.5 pounds beef and bean burritos, 2 pounds popcorn chicken, 9.5 ounce Stouffer's flat bread pizza, 16 ounce cauliflower and carrot blend, 15 ounce corn niblets, 16 ounce green beans, 2 pounds fresh onions, 29 ounce pears, 32 ounce Borden 2% reduced fat milk, 9 ounce breakfast cereal, 8 ounce corn muffin mix, 16 ounce bean soup mix, one dozen eggs, and one dessert item.

In addition, specials may be ordered and include a $20 grill box featuring a chicken kebob kit, chicken breast, ribeye steaks, pork chops, and hamburger steaks. A 5-pound steak box sells for $20 and includes New York strip steaks, ribeye steaks, and sirloin strips. A steak box sells for $20 and includes New York strip steaks, ribeye steaks, and sirloin strips. A chicken combination box sells for $20 and includes whole chicken, breaded chicken tenders, chicken breasts, breaded chicken wings, and chicken breast nuggets.

Jennifer Decker can be reached at (810) 664-0811, Ext. 8125 or jennifer.decker@lapeergroup.com.