7 News Features: Groceries from God

WSVN -- Milk, rice, fruits and veggies, they might be necessities, but rising prices are forcing many families to cut back.

Priscila Costa-Freitas: "After the mortgage crisis hit, my family started struggling financially, and I started looking for ways to save money."

By accident she found help from an angel-- the Angel Food Ministries, to be exact.

Priscila Costa-Freitas: "You have the basic items that a family needs when they go grocery shopping."

The program was started by a couple in Georgia. They buy in bulk and pass the savings off to families.

Raphaella Alves: "She's saying that it's like a blessing in our lives basically, and she feels really happy about it because then you don't have to spend as much money."

Here's how it works: Once a month you order on-line or through a local church. There are different packages you can order depending on what kind of food you like to eat. The basic package, designed to feed a family of four for a week costs $30.

Rodrigo Menezes: "If you put everything together, the savings are up to 50 percent, so it's definitely worth it."

And you don't have to eat the same thing all the time. The menus change every month.

Rebeca Costa-Menezes: "Mostly, we get the basic package that comes with meats, milk, fruits, vegetables, rice and pasta."

Your local church will tell you when to pick up your food.

Priscila Costa-Freitas: "Anyone from the community can benefit from this. Your religion doesn't matter. Your migratory status doesn't matter."

Disciples of Christ Church says they have people coming from all over Miami-Dade County to get the food.

Rebeca Costa-Menezes: "I would recommend this to other people.

Rodrigo Menezes: "It's an opportunity for every family. No matter what your situation, you can save money for sure, and in times like this, every penny counts."

Priscila says she hopes no one goes hungry thanks to groceries from God.

Priscila Costa-Freitas: "The satisfaction of just helping people is just great."

There are churches throughout South Florida participating in the Angel Food Ministry program.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Angel Food Ministries
http://www.angelfoodministries.com/

Disciples of Christ Church
10200 NW 25 St. #115
Doral, FL 33172
305-718-8057

The Pentecostals of Cooper City
954-680-0710

First Assembly of God, Hollywood
954-536-3024

Harvest Time Church, Hollywood
954-966-8444

Alpha and Omega Church (Latin Missions Missions Ministries), Miami
305-273-1263

Sunrise Presbyterian Church, Miami
305-821-5841

Panorama Christian Center, Miami Lakes
305-695-0765

Keys to Life Church, Miramar
954-987-3611

SouthWinds Christian Church, Miami
305-238-7333

Community Christian Church, Tamarac
954-724-7400