Local Charity Becoming Mini-Mart

These days, a lot of families are experiencing sticker shock at the supermarket. Now, a local charity is turning churches into minimarts. The News On 6's Jeffrey Smith reports volunteers spent the weekend helping families struggling to make ends meet in this economy.

It's called Angel Food Ministries. It's a food assistance program that's growing in popularity. Because of it, more and churches across Green Country aren't just saving souls, they're saving families money at the checkout line.

Evelyn Frank says every little bit helps.

"It's needed in our situation, with the high gas, high medicine; everything seems to just be piling up," said Frank.

Frank is able to get boxes of food on-the-cheap.  It's all part of Angel Food Ministries mission.

"It's a grocery assistance program, it's a self-funding program, we really like to think it's a hand-up, rather than a hand-out," said Vicki Gaines of Angel Food Ministry.

A hand-up that sells name-brand food for wholesale prices. A box that would run $70 at the grocery store, will cost half that under Angel Food. Online orders are processed monthly.

Sunday morning was D-Day for volunteers.

"I think a lot of people thought, well is it for everybody? And the great news is, yes, it's for everybody. So, especially today, with the rising cost of gas and food and utilities, it's really helpful for families to have a way to extend their dollars a little bit more," said Gaines.

Everything from cookies and eggs, to steak and waffles.

In Owasso, volunteers say the number of orders has gone from 90 boxes a month to more than 200.

"Everyone can use a break on their groceries, or any way to save money is always a good thing," said Rob Biggins.

"Just to have it in reserve in case something financial should come, up, at least we'll have our food," said Frank. 

A fitting name and a helping hand.

If you're wondering how the program can stay afloat. It's largely because of a national network of volunteers who help out with everything from warehouse donations to volunteer truck drivers who transport the food for free.