If you aren’t a couponer or can’t “do” the grocery deals for a period of time (think arrival of new baby, working lots of overtime, moving…), but want to save money on groceries, check out Angel Food Ministries and Fare for All. Each sell boxes of food with pre-determined contents at about 50% off retail price to anyone at any income level. Wonder how they can sell groceries at such a discount? Each month they buy a limited variety of food, but in great bulk so they negotiate some unbelievable deals and pass the savings on to us.
Your turn: What other discount grocery programs and/or discount grocery stores do you use to get great prices without coupons?
Angel Food Ministries
Angel Food Ministries is a national organization with distribution centers across the country. For $30 you get a box of groceries valued at $60. You order a standard monthly “menu” (or box) that feeds a family of four for about a week or a senior for nearly a month; they also offer an allergen-free alternative to the standard box. Then find the closest distribution location here and order online from that specific distribution location.
Common questions:
How many boxes can I order? There is no limit to the number of boxes you can order in any given month.
I don’t like the limited variety I get with the standard box. What can I do? With the purchase of any standard box you can supplement with other specialty boxes like meat or fruits and veggies.
When do I pay? You pay when you pick up your order. Bring cash, because credit and debit cards are charged a $1 processing fee.
Should I bring my own grocery bags? Some distribution locations recommend that you bring a laundry basket or large box for each food box you order.
I have more questions, where can I learn more? Check out Angel Food’s FAQ here.
Fare for All
Fare For All is similar in many ways to Angel Food, but only has distribution locations within the state of Minnesota – and 87 distribution locations at that! Find one near you here. Like Angel Food, you buy boxes of food with pre-determined contents for about 50% off the retail price; see their options here. You need to order and prepay, then visit your distribution location on the third Saturday of the month. To learn more, visit Fare for All’s website here.
In the Twin Cities metro area they have introduced an alternative to this called Fare for All Express! It is like a travelling grocery store where you get the same discounts, but shop and pay the same day at any of these nine metro locations. Each location is opened a limited number of days for a limited time, but if you can work it into your schedule it could result in some great grocery buys! A friend told me that Fare for All Express! often has produce and soon-to-expire dairy products free for the taking when you purchase at least one food box.
Thanks Carrie so much for letting me know about Angel Food Ministries. I have just started using AFM recently. I am very happy with the variety of the menu, and the accessibility of the multiple host sites. I was just looking at the July menu and it looks great. I found this coupon code, it is valid for Angel Food Ministries food boxes, and gives you 10% off a signature box. Angel Food Coupon Code “10sig98″. I believe it is limited and expires in July. Hope it helps.
I mean absolutely no offense, I just want to know….Is it ok to use these programs just to save some money? I wouldn't want to take resources that other people need more than I do, but I am always looking for ways to save money.
Yes, it is fine to use these programs just for saving money. My home church is a host site for Angel Food and they encourage us to do that all the time. It is not as if you taking advantage of it will preclude another person. They order enough food for everyone and since they are buying it and you are paying for it, they can order as much as is requested. Great question!!
I have been buying groceries through the Fare for All program for the past few months and I love it. Anyone is allowed to order regardless of income, age, etc. Each month there is a special deal available in addition to the regular packages. We love the grill pack. It comes with frozen brats, chicken, hot dogs, ground beef, turkey sausage, turkey roast, and bacon. There are usually a few of each of these meats – all for $22. When I priced these items at Cub it was more than $40 worth of meat. It's a great deal!