Food Charity's Compensation and Loans Under Scrutiny

January 30, 2009

Food Charity's Compensation and Loans Under Scrutiny

Angel Food Ministries, a charity with headquarters in Good Hope, Ga., that sells discount groceries, paid almost $2.5-million in compensation in 2006 to the family that founded and operates the group, reports the York Daily Record, in Pennsylvania.

The group’s chief executive officer, Wesley Joseph Wingo, received a pay increase from $69,598 in 2005 to $588,529 in 2006. His family also borrowed money from the charity, owing more than $1-million in loans by the end of 2007, and the numbers are raising questions among charity watchdogs.

A spokesman for the group said that salaries were appropriate for a charity of its size and that the compensation and loans were intended to reduce personal debt the Wingo family incurred when it founded the organization.

Comments

When I asked about, I got this.

People love the food, swear by the service and it seems that 2006 was the odd year. 2007 went to normal levels. Check the story, ch4eck their 990s. York papers read the 990 wrong.

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Angel Food Ministries began on the back porch of its founders in 1994 by helping feed local people in need. It started with just 30 families seeking food relief in the face of job loss and harsh economic circumstances. Over the years, they grew the ministry slowly and gradually by helping anyone who asked without questioning their need. At the same time, they saw their mission grow into a broader ministerial role and began Emmanuel Praise Church, which they both pastor together.

As their food and ministry and church grew, more and more effort was required by the family to provide low cost food to communities throughout the United States. Monroe, Georgia and the surrounding cities also benefited through the jobs created by AFM’s growth. In addition Emmanuel Praise Church brought not only spiritual guidance, but financial assistance to those who needed to save their homes, pay medical bills, clothe their children and feed their families.

AFM was built with the motto, “A Food Ministry with a Servant’s Heart.” As deep believing Christians, they believe in tithing and giving, and the ministry has been run with that mindset. In fact, the ministry contributes millions of dollars back into churches and community groups throughout the country each year. In 2008 alone, $5.1 million was distributed to help grow local programs in every community where Angel Food Ministries has a presence.

Angel Food Ministries started as a small, family-run operation. It blossomed into a national organization, providing nearly six million low cost boxes of needed food throughout 39 states just last year. By providing this low cost food, Angel Food Ministry is helping everyday families meet their food security concerns. Even with all its rapid growth, AFM has maintained the heart of a servant.

As AFM continued its national reach, it retained outside legal counsel, auditors and other professionals to help it grow from its Monroe, Georgia based operational structure to a charitable organization with the national scope it has now. This takes qualified management whose role it is ensure compliance with non-profit regulations. In 2006, AFM had a revenue stream of 96 million dollars, most of which gets used for upfront payments – about 13 million per month – on food procurement, which enables AFM to maintain the affordable prices we set. That year, AFM’s routine expenses were 17 million dollars. Of that amount its management costs were 5.5. million, about 5% of its revenue. In 2007, AFM’s distribution base grew, and its revenue stream was 112 million with expenses being nearly 27 million and administrative/management costs of 5.7 million. This is still at 5% of its revenue.

It should be understood that most ministries, and non profits in general, operate on a donation basis. This is not the model of Angel Food Ministries. Unlike most non-profit organizations Angel Food does not solicit donations. In fact, the ministry actually sends monthly contributions to its network of churches and community organizations which serve as its host sites. Since Angel Food began its mission in 1994 it has given more than 19 million dollars back into those communities.

AFM realizes that many well meaning people will not fully understand our mission and our business operations. It is our duty to make the facts known and to ensure that checks and balances are in place so that those we serve will have confidence in the integrity of our program and its continued service.

We at Angel Food Ministries will continue to provide low cost food to more than 500,000 families per month and financially support more than 5,000 organizations that participate in our food distribution program. We intend to make a difference in the communities we serve and to families within those communities

— John Rawlings Jan 30, 06:49 PM #
I don’t know why people are making this a big deal, thry don’t ask for money. They give it out. I get $60 of food for $30 and my church gets $375 a month. Angel Food Ministries helps us out so much thank you dear friends.

— Robin Yellon Jan 30, 09:43 PM #
Angel Food has the potential to get even larger and I pray that it does, for every box that is sold represents a family that has been given relief. I vote that we put Angel Food in the Obama stimulas package!

— Pastor JC Neff Jan 31, 12:06 AM #
Angel Food Ministries is the best outreach program we have ever dealt with ! I think if we as “good christians” could learn to come together as a team we would really be able to see this ministry grow.

— Pastor Brooke Jan 31, 12:18 AM #
My church has been distributing Angel Food for 4 years now and I can’t tell you how many people have thanked us with tears in their eyes. Having met Pastor Joe Wingo I can tell you that he is a man of genuine Christian character whose first concern is the welfare of others.

— Pastor G. Shingleton Jan 31, 12:23 AM #
those that live Godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. Pastor Joe Wingo is a man of integrety and character. How can anyone write so many negative accusations on a man who has accomplished so much postive in the lives of so many. Disappointing article! Great man of God! Pastor Ronald D. and Deborah Kosor

— Pastor Ronald D Kosor Jan 31, 08:33 AM #
I have worked with AFM for almost 10 years and trust Pastor Joe. Having also been accused at one time, I understand how surface facts can confuse. I know churches who fed all their widows with what AF has given back to them. They truly have a Servants Heart

— Minister C. Bone Jan 31, 09:39 AM #
My church has been associated with Angel Food Ministries since 2004. We have seen this ministry save people money on their grocery dollar in the greater San Antonio, TX area for over 5 years now – the savings to our area was over 2.5 million in 2008 – I know Pastor Joe and have seen his giving heart in action. YOu see, I am part of a ministry also that targets at-risk youth…In 2005 Pastor Joe saved this ministry by giving us access to funds that kept us afloat financially at a particular difficult time.

— L. L. Beams Jan 31, 10:44 AM #
I have known Pastor Joe and his family for many years now, I don’t see anyone bringing up the time in their life when they almost lost their farm & everything else they owned. Most people don’t know their was a time when they didn’t have two nickels to rub together, they are without a doubt the hardest working people I have ever met and the most giving. Pastor Joe has more integrity and character than anyone I have ever met and if anyone is deserving his family is. Angel Food Ministries is doing something across the United States that really is a stand alone. Not only are they helping families get quality food at a great discount they also give money back into the communities. Which I believe by now would be somewhere in the $25 million range. Before they try to hurt their reputation they really need to gather all the facts.

— Daren Adams Jan 31, 12:22 PM #
This negative stuff really runs all over me! But, at the same time who better to testify about how giving the Wingo’s are than me. I am a single mom who lost her husband 3 years ago. Through the goodness of God and the Wingo family my son and I are blessed today. Pastor Joe & Linda Wingo stepped in and paid my husband’s funeral expenses when there was no money. The bought us several large appliances in the following months as things broke down. It was like God sent them to us to help us and keep us lifted up. When it looked like in the natural we couldn’t make it the Wingo’s stepped in and looked at it like family helping family. They really reached out to us. They really take the Word of God seriously where it talks about taking care of the widow and orphan.The Wingo’s send my son to Christian school. There he plugged into a great school with wonderful role models. The Wingo family is certainly Christ like in helping others and going the extra mile.They never brag about what they do. But, they truly are the hands and feet of Jesus.Who knows how much food they give away each month or how many other people they help. I run into people all the time that the Wingo family has helped buy a home, go to school,go on a mission trip, etc. They are truly living epistles. I have never run into more loving people than this family. They have been there for my family spiritually, emotionally, financially. They go above and beyond to help everyone they meet.

— Barbara Reed Jan 31, 01:48 PM #
11.Why in this country do we think that people in ministry must be poor? We have been involved in Angelfood Ministries for over 11 years. We KNOW how much this ministry means to those people who every month have to decide between buying medicine or buying groceries; between paying the rent and buying groceries.Is Angelfood doing what it claims-yes. Does it provide help by selling the groceries at such a discounted price that people who haven’t had meat in their home for years, now can serve meat to their children, Yes. We could share many stories with you of people this ministry has helped. Those people aren’t asking what the Wingo family is being paid. They are just thankful for the service AF offers.

— John and Becky Greene Jan 31, 04:11 PM #
My husband & I have worked with Angel Food Ministries for over 5 years now, & we can wholly agree with the stories given by others. We have seen so many people so very grateful for AFM & the help it gives them. People who have to make those choices about what they are going to pay this month, & how they are going to eat, as well. When there was a devastating tornado in our area, with 16 dead & 300 out of their homes, we asked for a donation of food. Pastor Joe sent a semi-load (about 30,000 lbs) of the same food that was in the menu box that month, along with 100 boxes of their meat specials! Any time he & Linda have been asked for help, he has sent it! We know Pastors Joe & Linda Wingo. They have sacrificed greatly in every way to help other people. They are on the go constantly & put in long hours with great responsibility on them. Why should they not receive compensation in line with what they carry? As has been stated, this is not donated money – they have given millions of dollars back to the communities where Angel Food exists.
It seems there is an unhealthy trend in this country to tear down the very people who are selflessly doing the most good. This is a family of the highest integrity & deserve support, not this kind of criticism.

— Sue Matison Jan 31, 06:28 PM #
It amazes me how the nay-sayers appear when an organization is successful. Joe and Linda Wingo are the American Dream. These two people took an idea and have worked until their backs ought to be broken. They help everyone who asks. These two have taken one thought and shown others how to be missionaries in America. I am so proud to be involved with them. Thier ministry is heaven sent, to both the people who eat the food and those who perform the service work.
Why not let people earn good money? This is one lesson in life I want my own kids to learn. And these are the best people to teach that lesson.

— Ruth Crawford Jan 31, 10:16 PM #
I have known Joe and Linda Wingo and their boys for over 25 years. They are the most giving people I have ever known. Joe ministered to me in a very difficult situation 25 years ago and I have seen him do the same for other over the years. I have been involved with Angel Food for about eleven years now and I have seen the ministry grow tremendousily over those years. The Wingo’s have given of themselves for many years before they received any salary. They have blessed and helped many millions of people over the life of this ministry. They have given much more than they have received. God will continue to bless them because they give out of unselfish hearts.

— Larry Rymer Jan 31, 10:16 PM #
Many of our local people depend on Angel Food to supplement their dwindling ability to secure good food at a reasonable price. We have been in alliance with the Wingo family through our church and have had only the best relationship with Angel Food Ministries in Pennsylvania.

Angel Food Ministries has become the lifeblood of our church. We began almost four years ago and now are serving well over 400 families each month. We have also been blessed to volunteer for the most non-threatening Christian outreach in the world. As we train and mentor churches into this wonderful outreach, we are honored and often humbled to hear of the committment and love Angel Food has for each community. We see Angel Food as a tremendous way to nourish not only the body, but the spirit, of the people we serve. To be able to serve them with first quality groceries is a joy, and Angel Food is the vehicle Jesus has provided for us to help our suffering communities!

— Elaine and Jeff Johns Feb 1, 01:06 PM #
I have seen the impact Angel Food Ministries has made in our communities for years and it is truly incredible. The Wingo family sacrificed a lot for along time, they created an avenue for us to help those in our community when others turned them away. There is no price tag on feeding the hungry,and reaching the lost for CHRIST!

— Jeff Honea Feb 2, 12:48 PM #
Angel Food Ministries is what this economy needs. It puts money back in the pockets of Americans. I don’t know of any organization that does that for ANYONE. There are no qualifications, and no one is excluded. You just get great quality food, and money back in your pocket. May God bless the Wingos.

— Pamela Barnett Feb 2, 01:01 PM #
Angel Food Ministries’ mission is to help relieve hunger throughout the United States while providing the good news of Jesus Christ one box at a time. I have been involved with AFM as a participant and as a servant of God for over 5 years now.
We are brought together in unity on a common ground of loving others and loving our neighbors as ourselves. The most precious truth is to remember A.F.M. is always about reaching the hurting and providing a caring hand.
I get to see and hear of the people in every community finding a place and a purpose for their lives as they serve others as they volunteer in this ministry. Neighbors coming out to fellowship and see each other, sometimes for the first time, once a month handing out food or carrying their neighbors groceries to the cars as the reminisce about the children-grandchildren and loved ones or just the day.
People are regaining their place and feelings of self worth by being given a chance to serve with Angel Food Ministries. We all want to belong to someone or something that is going to leave a positive impression and a meaningful legacy.
Angel Food Ministries Host Sites are in over 8000 different locations across the United States, they get to provide nutritional meals to many who cannot afford high market prices in today’s struggling economy. When was the last time you had a dinner with your family or invited your neighbor over for supper? When was the last time you had extra to offer?
As I see it the Wingos and this ministry isn’t about the money or the issues discussed in the article above, it is about the legacy being left and offered for anyone that wishes to be a part-in service or in savings. Either way you get your dollars worth in love and in food.
I admire Pastor Joe and his family for their dedication to commit and stay faithful. I agree with the comment above that where was anyone who is quick to speak against this family or ministry when this family went without and stayed faithful through their struggles without pay with small children to raise for many years, who wiped away their tears and feed them or clothed them when they didn’t know how much longer they would be able to go forth?
It is easy to pull someone down when you sit so high, but true relationships will always lift you up. You see true integrity isn’t about what a man has to prove, it is about what he knows.
The Wingos know after all these years that God has given them a mission to go forth and feed His people and that is what they will continue to do. I encourage all that read this if you haven’t gotten your savings in the food to try at your family’s table then log on to their website www.angelfoodministries.com and find out for yourself.
Your neighbors are waiting to see you and share their love as the Wingos have been doing all these years, and the sincerity of their love is genuine, the true model of ministry, genuine love.

— Pastor Mark & Pastor Della Villers Feb 3, 02:38 PM #
The Wingo family are as real as they come. In all of my life of I have never met anyone who has demonstrated such a giving spirit. No one gives more than the Pastor’s Joe & Linda Wingo. I am a single parent involved with Angel Food for many years. PJ (Pastor Joe) has been a father figure in my life. He has helped me with car repairs when I did not have the funds to fix my car after an accident. He has helped me with hospital bills that would have bogged me down. He put a song in my heart and help me to go down the right path. His desire is to help people by giving them a hand up. He wants us to become self-sufficient and he teaches us to be givers by example. I would not be where I am today if he had not helped me, financially, spiritaully, emotionally. He sponsored my daughter to go on her first mission’s trip. He gives and gives and gives. Pastor Linda is a giver too. She has blessed my daughter and me numerous times. I have seen them help millions of families across the nation. They are changing lives and lifting people up out of despair. They have given much more than they have received and I hope they continue to be blessed beyond measure! They are examples to all of us. My prayer is for God to allow me to be blessed to be a blessing and they are my example.

— Shelly Hillman Feb 3, 10:54 PM #
I don’t even know where to start. I have grown up in Ministry my whole life and if there is one thing I have learned it is that if some one is talking against your calling the one the Lord placed in your heart than you must be doing a GREAT job. The bible says, “Where there is envy and strife there is every evil work”, and from what I have read, there is every evil work going on. So truly the Wingo’s and Angel Food Ministries should not be our concern. The people with the issues should be our focus for prayer.

Angel Food has been a God send here in Michigan and is growing like crazy. God is touching so many people through the hands of others and the hungry are getting fed. This is an ingenious idea and an incredible ministry. Pastor Joe and Linda have both been such help in the time of need. I went through a time in my life where I was very very ill. Hospital bills were piling up. PJ and Linda personally sent us money to pay those off. The opportunity that Angel Food has given my husband and I is so incredible. It has opened so many doors to help not only the hurting people in our church but the entire state of Michigan. Words could not even begin to express how thankful we are for Angel Food ministries and the Wingo family. With out them there would be a lot of hurting people. So all I can say is thank you Angel Food and Wingo’s for following the plan of God NO matter what!

— James and Dawn Randolph Feb 10, 06:48 PM #
I personally will commit to pray for this ministry. No doubt it has helped thousands of families.

— Larry Clay Feb 12, 09:03 PM #

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