Feeding the hungry: Local food pantry options

By Rosanne Bowman

LIMA — Angel Food Ministries closed its doors in September, causing concern among churches, food pantries and individuals that relied on the organization's discounted food.

The Georgia-based non-profit organization was started in 1994 by Pastor Joe and Linda Wingo. At its height, the organization served 500,000 families in 5,000 churches in 45 states per month.

Although there was no income requirement to use Angel Food Ministries, the organization targeted needy families by providing food boxes at a 30- to 50-percent discount from grocery stores. Each box fed a family of four for about a week.

The organization put out a statement about its closing that said, “Angel Food Ministries has considered many options regarding our future. At this time, we regret to inform you that we have not found a solution that will allow Angel Food Ministries to continue to distribute food on a monthly basis and have decided to cease operations.”

While blaming the economy for its closing, the ministry ran into legal and financial problems in 2009 when FBI investigated the organization's finances. In addition, two board members brought a lawsuit alleging that the Wingos were enriching themselves through the non-profit organization. The settlement included a forensic audit of the non-profit's finances.

Sandra Miniutti, vice president of marketing and chief financial officer of non-profit watchdog Charity Navigators, said in a written statement, “Because of the recession, groups like theirs have seen a big increase in demand for their services, and most have not seen an equal increase in income and donations. ... But on the other side, I think it's troubling because of the salaries they were paying, the number of family members who were working at the charity ... all that leaves a cloud of suspicion over what happened.”

No matter what the reason for their closing, their absence leaves a gap in the resources available for area residents.

Janel Engberg, case manager at Lima's Samaritan House said that she referred all of her clients to the organization.

“It just stinks to hear that about a non-profit,” she said. “All who leave here successfully, we recommended them to Angel Foods. Now we have to direct them to other resources.”

Stephen Jenkins, executive director of Our Daily Bread, said that many of the people who came through for the daily hot meal at the charity also used Angel Food Ministries.

“I think there were a lot of them,” he said. “West Ohio Food Bank has had to take up the slack.”

The West Ohio Food Bank services 11 counties in Northwest Ohio. The organization serves as a warehouse for area charities and food pantries, as well as directly servicing 1,527 seniors per month in Allen County through the Commodity Supplemental Food Program for those 60 years and older, and around 220 seniors per month in Lima with the West Ohio Food Bank Senior Food Box Program for those 50 years and older.

“I don't know the percentage, but I probably get six to seven calls daily in the last few weeks asking about our senior programs,” said Nikki Rainsburg, senior box program coordinator at the West Ohio Food Bank. “They tell me about their life and how with Angel Foods closing, they aren't getting enough food.”

Although many are impacted by Angel Food Ministries closing, there are other resources available to those with low incomes.

The Rev. Joe Wassink, associate pastor at Grace Community Church actually stopped using Angel Food Ministries in their church several years ago.

“When we decided to partner with Angel Food, the value was returned by those picking up the boxes,” he said. “As the months rolled on, the quantity and value were not there, so we cut it off.”

Wassink was not worried when the church decided to discontinue the program, though.

“God always raises someone up,” he said. “My eyes are never on a ministry or a person, but they are locked in on my heavenly Father. He's faithful to His promises.”

Engberg said that while Samaritan House's clients will feel the pinch, the community takes care of the needy.

“We'll go on,” said Engberg who has lived in the Lima area for the past 10 years. “There is a lot of support in this community. Helping the needy — this community has been doing a great job. We are particularly thankful for all the church support because we would not have made it without it.”