A Ferry Tale of Faith and Food Shipping to Martha’s Vineyard

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Katrina Weber

news@angelfoodministries.com

A Ferry Tale of Faith and Food Shipping to Martha’s Vineyard

Vineyard Haven, MA (February, 18, 2010) — New England is a mesh of cultures and people; the common theme that runs amongst its residents is the need to flee when spring comes.  Like many others around the country, New Englanders spend the winter months crammed into cubicles, offices, and vehicles. When the grip of winter loosens; the North Englanders’ need for flight increases. A popular spot that New Englanders often flock to is Martha’s Vineyard, an island that seems to have frozen in its 18^th century splendor; divided into quaint old fishing and farming villages,  colonial government offices and, of course, a resort community for the privileged.

This amusement park of nature is a retreat for many Americans, but what about the full timers, often the shopkeepers and tradesmen who rely on the economy of tourism to sustain them through the cold? Pam McCormick resettled to Martha’s Vineyard from Michigan, and has lived there for the past few years, and lately has been noticing a change in her community. “During the summer months when the island is packed with tourists and part time residents, we have jobs and resources for the year-rounders, but when the cold months set in, we being to realize the effects of the economy.  Few jobs, fewer patrons, and few resources all around keep the price of food fairly high.”

Pam had previously used Angel Food Ministries in Michigan, a non profit, non denominational organization that provides quality food at affordable prices.  Operating as a food co-operative, Angel Food uses vast purchasing power to buy from top food companies, and relies on a network of more than 40,000 volunteers who help distribute the food through 6000 host sites across 44 states.  Her past experience helped aid the decision to ask if Vineyard Assembly of God could become an Angel Food Host site.

Pam has taken on the responsibility of helping her friends and neighbors eat well while stretching their limited funds.  Angel Food Ministries offers a variety of proteins, fruits and vegetables, allergen-free products, pre packaged senior convenience meals, seasonal special options, and their “Signature Box” that could supplement generally a family of four for a week for $30.  Pam saw this as her best option.


Although Angel Food delivers once a month to the host sites across the United States via 53 foot tractor trailers, Pamela’s host site is set to be the most unique of any of the rest.  Vineyard Assembly of God is the only host site separated from a trucking route by an ocean.  So, Pam has committed to making a four hour journey across the water by ferry and back to pick up her orders.  That requires perfect timing between the ferry schedule and the truck’s arrival schedule, and it requires her to unload the truck into her personal vehicle and head back to the ferry and over the Sound.  Then with here dedicated team of volunteers at Vineyard Assembly of God in tow, they distribute the food to the families that placed a monthly order.
Pam’s compassion and concern for humanity has opened doors for many families that felt shut out. The snow birds might bring in the money for Martha’s Vineyard, but Pam and the dedicated people at Vineyard Assembly of God bring hope.


Orders can be placed and picked up at Vineyard Assembly of God. The address is 1048 State Rd., Vineyard Haven, MA 02568. Please contact Pam McCormick for questions or details about the ordering or distribution process. She can be reached at 508-687-9039 or on the web at www.vineyardag.com.
If anyone wants to learn more about Angel Food Ministries and if they distribute around you, please visit www.angelfoodministries.com or call 1-877-366-3646.

###