Angel Food Ministries Subject to FBI Investigation

**guest002** · 02-12-2009, 07:52 PM

http://www.associatedcontent.com/art...bi.html?cat=48

According to Fox 5, Angel Food Ministries' revenue reached $21 million last year. During the recent economic downturn Angel Food Ministries has experienced a marked increase in orders.

Under federal and state laws, nonprofit organizations may not distribute profits to members, officers, or directors. Nonprofit organizations may generate tax-exempt income, but not profits. It is unclear whether these laws have any bearing on the current FBI probe.

**mombottoo** · 02-12-2009, 08:04 PM

Profits from any 501(c)3 organization must be used for the organizations stated programs and services. I find it questionable that their compensation increased so dramatically from 2005 to 2006...that might have something to do with the probe.

I have always felt that they charge quite a bit for the food in their packages. I know some people feel it's quite a deal, but I have never thought so.

**rosey7415** · 02-12-2009, 08:51 PM

oh boy! i just got my first box and told everyone i knew about them.

**Persimmon Lace** · 02-12-2009, 09:30 PM

I seriously doubt that anything will come out this. Wow, could it be that people are using it more. Naw, it couldn't be that, it has to be something sinister. There are 3 distribution points here and our church looking to become one. Because there is a need for it.

**elphie** · 02-13-2009, 01:05 AM

Originally Posted by mombottoo

I have always felt that they charge quite a bit for the food in their packages. I know some people feel it's quite a deal, but I have never thought so.

I agree, I have done the calculations comparing grocery prices in my area and I can always find better deals than they include in the boxes and I don't end up paying for things I don't want when I do it myself.

I would say it could be chalked up to an increase in need if the compensation had not quadrupled for those in charge... how does one go from making less than $100 k to over $500 k in less than five years working for a non-profit? And their website clearly states that they wish for more people to use their services because it keeps costs low for those in need... if that is true then an increase in sales should have either resulted in more food in the box or a reduction in the price of boxes, not a fat new lifestyle for the administrators.

**pollypurebred39** · 02-13-2009, 02:31 AM

Whatever the reason the spotlight is now on the ridiculously large incomes that are being had off the backs of those in need. One would have to agree that there is nothing wrong with making a living, however this seems terribly excessive and greedy on their part for a mission. It's no wonder people turn their backs on organized religon. Shame...Shame.

**elphie** · 02-13-2009, 07:37 AM

aimeebee... I hear what you are saying and I agree that as a society we can be too quick to judge. I don't know if the administrators of Angel Food have participated in any criminal action and I certainly hope that all the facts come forward and they are treated fairly in the courts and by a non-biased jury (which I don't think will be a problem because lots of people have never even heard of Angel Ministries and this story will fly below their radar).

However, after seeing the salaries of the administrators my view of the organization has changed. Before I felt that although I could do better cooking from scratch but those who didn't have the time and/ or cooking skills to do that this might be a viable option; I no longer think that and will not be recommending their ministry to anyone else. You are right, greed, like any sin, can strike any person but I will not contribute to their getting rich on the backs of poor people. JMHO

**joyofsix** · 02-13-2009, 08:16 AM

I just think the government can't stand successful competition. They'd much rather you used their programs. I used to work for WIC, this is honestly a mind set I saw often. It keeps the government workers in a job. I say, sure investigate, but the government bias can't be discounted.

**ncarr** · 02-13-2009, 11:24 AM

the salary increase is ridiculous. I understand that they need to make living but a lot of that money could have been reinvested into their ministry to help those in need. although wrong, it isn't illegal. I'll be interested to see what comes out of the investigation.

**pollypurebred39** · 02-13-2009, 03:54 PM

It's true God says not to judge least you be judged. But frankly I'm finding it harder and harder to defend my christianity from those who are wary of organized religon because of those who behave in ways just like these. How many times have we heard someone judging and beating people up from the pulpit only to find them guilty of the same sin themselves. If you yourself are in sin you have no right to correct others, remember the Bible verse that clearly states about how you should not be worried about the splinter in your brothers eye when you've got a log in your own. I Just find it outragous that their pay was that high when they are a ministry with the self professed mission on reaching out with God's love helping to feed those less fortunate. Clearly you can take from the cofiers whatever pay you desire or see fit, nothing illegal about it. The problem lies in how it clearly shows a greedy heart and they should be ashamed. Perhaps God brought this to light so that they may turn from their wicked ways.

**Persimmon Lace** · 02-13-2009, 04:51 PM

http://ydr.inyork.com/ydr/records/ci_11545409

Scroll down to the middle and a spokesman for the family says that the increase was to pay the family back for not taking salaries during the beginning of opening this ministry up. If that's what is found, do you think we'll hear about?

**elphie** · 02-13-2009, 06:16 PM

I'm sorry but that still sounds fishy to me... most people work their entire lives and never earn salaries that equal 1/2 million dollars so even back pay shouldn't equal that amount. And family members are taking LOANS from the organization???

I'm not saying that these people didn't start out with good intentions, or even that all of those intentions have vanished but they have strayed. The article linked sites experts in charitable finances as seeing something wrong with this situation.

If they want to continue on this path then they just need to drop their non-profit status. They can still offer the service and can earn as much as they want. Of course in paying taxes they will either have to increase the price of the boxes or take a pay cut... which one do you think they'll choose?

**3LittleMonkeys** · 02-13-2009, 07:12 PM

Originally Posted by joyofsix

I just think the government can't stand successful competition. They'd much rather you used their programs. I used to work for WIC, this is honestly a mind set I saw often. It keeps the government workers in a job. I say, sure investigate, but the government bias can't be discounted.

Then they shouldn't be a non profit!

**3LittleMonkeys** · 02-13-2009, 07:18 PM

Originally Posted by Persimmon Lace

http://ydr.inyork.com/ydr/records/ci_11545409

Scroll down to the middle and a spokesman for the family says that the increase was to pay the family back for not taking salaries during the beginning of opening this ministry up. If that's what is found, do you think we'll hear about?

But the article says this:

The spokesman, New York-based Juda Engelmayer, said the Wingos and their sons will repay the money they owe AFM, which emphasizes its role in helping to feed struggling families.

If your quote is correct, then why would they repay it?

This smells fishy to me.

**Persimmon Lace** · 02-13-2009, 09:16 PM

I would also like to point out something everyone seems to be missing.

NO poor people were turned away from this program. There was NOTHING taken out of the mouths of poor people.

No income levels are required for this program, all walks of life are encouraged to buy to help with the program. I buy with my sister. I'm upper middle class, my sister is a low income single mom. We both benefit from the program. I participate in order to help the program.

You are not compelled to participate.

Their business plan was built to succeed and they have. 1000's of people benefit from this program without paperwork, government limitations and bureaucracy/redtape. You do not have to jump through hoops to get the food. The other charities who are poor mouthing fundraise by preying on people's guilt, Angelfood offers a product that evidently tons of people want. I think they have done well within the confines of a sometimes slow moving and tedious process to help the poor.