By Josh Spickler

I have no idea what the weather’s like while you’re reading this, but as I’m writing it, it’s chilly outside. And on Feb. 11, at Peabody Elementary, it will be chili inside. Get it? Chilly outside. Chili inside. Get it? I’ve been waiting five years to use that joke, which, of course, is not original. Regardless, it’s time for the Fifth Annual Cooper-Young/Peabody PTA Chili Cook-off! Can you believe it’s been five years?

With your help, over the past five years, we’ve raised more than $6,000 toward beautification on and around the Peabody Elementary campus. We’ve installed new play equipment, new landscaping, fresh paint and other exterior improvements that help Peabody and Cooper-Young shine for visitors and residents alike.

But not only do we raise money for a good cause, we have fun doing it. You’d be surprised how many different ways there are to make chili. Hot, exotic, Texas or Cincinnati style. We always get a little of everything, and the chili and the neighbors are a warm respite on a cold, winter afternoon.

So, in just a few short days, no matter the weather, there will be plenty of hot, delicious chili available for your consumption in the Peabody Elementary Cafetorium. And, despite what our moms taught us, we’re going to judge. There will be awards in the following categories: Judges’ Choice (decided by our celebrity panel of chili experts, of course), People’s Choice, Best Vegetarian, Best Hot and Most Unusual.

Soak those beans, brown that beef, plug in that Crock Pot and meet us at Peabody Elementary on Saturday, Feb. 11 at high noon to see who takes home the prizes this year. It’s only $15 to register before Feb. 3 ($20 after Feb. 3). Contact mandygrisham@gmail.com or visit friendsofpeabody.org/ for registration information.

If you only want to eat the chili, you can do that, too. Five bucks gets you four generous tastings (more than enough to count as lunch) and a drink. Get there early when the chili is still warm and, well, still there. We’ll crown the winners at 1:30 sharp. Don’t miss it.

By David Royer

It’s February, when the LampLighter brings readers its annual Cooper-Young business guide, and despite a chilly national economy, things seem to be warming up around here. If a word could sum up the state of business in Cooper-Young lately, it might be: delicious.

Thirteen new businesses opened their doors in CY in 2011 and another three opened or are ready to open in the first two months of 2012.

Local businesses Charm Boutique, Shoenista and the Polish Bottle filled a need for fashionistas in the neighborhood, and hipster magnet Urban Outfitters anchored a revitalized retail spot at Cooper and Central last February. With more than 140 locations in the country, Urban Outfitters, a trendy clothing and dorm room décor outlet, is one of the few national retailers to establish a presence in the district’s mostly home-grown business community.

But mainly, growth in 2011 and early 2012 centered around CY’s thriving culinary scene.

“In 2011, we were excited to see Cooper-Young established as the restaurant district of Memphis, with 18 restaurants,” said Tamara Cook, director of the Cooper Young Business Association. “We have such a strong group of talented chefs.”

Sweetgrass opened a more casual side of its low-country-themed restaurant next door, at the appropriately titled Next Door. Stone Soup Cafe & Market is serving up breakfast and brunch across the street from First Congregational Church and Skunx Chef’s Pub took over the old Lou’s Pizza Pie spot on Young late last year, serving gourmet pizzas and more. And there aren’t many places in Memphis that serve real vegan fare, but Imagine Vegan Cafe began doing just that on Young.

The neighborhood’s newest restaurant, Mulan Bistro, is updating the former Bluefish space on the southeast corner of Cooper and Young and expects to open its doors in early February.

Mulan, a Chinese restaurant and sushi bar, opened in Collierville eight years ago, but managing partner Matt Kan said customers for years had requested a location in Midtown. Kan said Mulan will offer fresh, authentic Szechuan-style entrees along with sushi. But don’t look for an American-style buffet. Mulan’s head chef has 30 years of experience in the kitchen and previously worked in a five-star hotel in China, he said.

Kan said he’s a big fan of Cooper-Young, which reminds him of his hometown in China.

“I always come here to eat in the Cooper-Young area,” Kan said. “The Midtown area is really unique.”

Another unique-in-Memphis hotspot opened in November. When Alchemy brought its small-plate dishes and cocktail concoctions to the neighborhood, it also brought a sexy, cosmopolitan vibe and major crowds of up to 600 people on some busy weekend nights, general manager Ben McLean said.

The restaurant soon began offering valet parking to ease congestion and entice diners from outside the area.

“We like Cooper-Young because it’s kind of a destination now for restaurants,” McLean said. “We plan on being in Cooper-Young for a very long time.”

Though the neighborhood has seen some turnover among businesses in the past few years ― Alchemy took over the space vacated by Grace and Au Fond and another taco shop lasted just a month ― some restaurateurs said the competition is healthy.

“What’s happened in Cooper-Young is a rebirth, and it’s fantastic,” said Jacob Leonard, bar manager at Cortona. “A rising tide lifts all boats.”

Cortona, a contemporary Italian restaurant, began packing diners in at the former Dish location early in 2011 and will mark its first anniversary this month. Managers say they like being at the center of the city’s restaurant scene.

Both Cook and McLean noted a need for more retail and art in the district in 2012. But CY’s new reputation among diners could provide a foundation that would support a wider range of businesses this year, Cook said.

“We hope the stability and diversity of these restaurants will help bring in more retail and art venues,” she said.

By Renée Massey

I can think of several reasons why you or I might want to pick up a meal or a nice appetizer on our way home any time of the year – a friend just had a baby and could use a break from daily chores like cooking, a neighbor is ill and could use some help with dinners, or an acquaintance is having a potluck. In every case, we might want to help or participate, but we’re busy! During the chaos of the holiday season, that is even more true. However much we love the holidays, it leaves most of us with packed schedules and little time to prepare a meal for ourselves and our families, even when there’s not something special going on like a new baby, an illness, or a party. And as you’ve been learning all year, your Cooper-Young Community Association membership has more to offer than just supporting the mission of making Cooper-Young a safer and more desirable place to live, worship, work, and play. It can get you a discount on that meal that you pick up on the way home!

Fork It Over Catering at 2299 Young Avenue offers a 5% discount on any in-store food purchase when a CYCA membership card is presented. Perfect! Michelle Campbell, owner of Fork It Over, told me, “I am a firm believer that you should support the community that you are in. This community is very supportive of small, local businesses. It is a close-knit community with people who take great pride in where they live and who they are.”

She describes Fork It Over as a jack-of-all-trades when it comes to food. If you are not acquainted with Fork It Over, they provide prepared meals that are ready to heat and eat. Their menu, offering four entrées and six side dishes, changes weekly and is updated every week on their website, forkitovercatering.com. They carry frozen entrées, casseroles, and appetizers in their freezer case. They can cater large parties (think weddings or business cocktail parties) or small book club dinners at home. Catering menus are also on the website. As you head into the holiday season, think about Fork It Over for Christmas and New Year’s parties. They do fried turkeys, spiral hams, and all the fixin’s. In addition to being a membership sponsor, Fork It Over has provided food for CYCA events like the Art for Art’s Sake Auction art preview. So show your thanks for their support by supporting Fork It Over!

Now back to that holiday season. Part of what keeps us so busy during the holidays is, let’s be honest, holiday shopping. Keep it simple this season by shopping close to home. You will be supporting your neighborhood businesses, and at Burke’s Books that CYCA membership card gets you a discount again. Burke’s Books is at 936 South Cooper, and CYCA members get a 10% discount. Owner Cheryl Mesler says that after living in the neighborhood for nearly 20 years, she and husband Corey jumped at the chance to move Burke’s from Poplar Avenue to CY when the opportunity came up. They love the foot traffic in the neighborhood, which encourages patrons from other businesses and restaurants to come in and browse. Browsing at Burke’s Books is encouraged! The Meslers are especially excited about the new coffee-table book Memphians, which features over 200 notable Memphians (including some from Cooper-Young). Stop by Burke’s Books and let the staff show you the new book or maybe buy the Tsunami cookbook or the Cooper-Young history book as a Christmas gift for a friend or neighbor. Shop and give local this year and remember to thank Burke’s Books for being a CYCA sponsor when you go in.

The membership year is ending but a new one is right around the corner. If you are a CYCA member, you will be seeing a membership renewal in your mailbox soon. Please renew to support the unique things happening in this neighborhood. If you are not a member, consider joining us in 2012. You not only receive great discounts like the ones at Burke’s Books and Fork It Over Catering, but you will be supporting the Community Association whose mission is to make Cooper-Young a more desirable place to live, worship, work, and play. You can join by visiting us online at cooperyoung.org, by filling out the membership form on page ? of this paper, or by contacting our office at 2298 Young Ave or 901-272-2922. Thank you for your support!

By Barb Elder

While our cover story this month features the Cooper-Young Community Farmers Market and their recent decision to operate year-round, we also want to acknowledge a group that has been working in CY providing fresh winter farm products for some time.

Four years ago, Ben Smith of Tsunami restaurant invited a group of Memphis Farmers Market vendors to extend their season by selling their wares in his parking lot. As a result, the Tsunami Winter Market was born. This November the Tsunami Winter Market is gearing up once again to offer farm fresh meats, fish, cheeses, eggs, veggies, preserves, breads, and even natural soaps in the Tsunami parking lot located at 928 S. Cooper. The market will be open for business every Saturday from 9am-1pm beginning on November 5 and continuing into April until the Memphis Farmers Market resumes.

Since its inception, the Tsunami Winter Market has remained a loosely organized group headed by Van Cheeseman of Flora Gardens. Van is happy to be involved with the Winter Market as it helps promote Tsunami restaurant and all that Ben Smith has done to shape the Memphis food world.

Most of the farmers represented at the market grow their produce using cold frames, which allows them to harvest produce year round. Many vendors come to the market on a weekly basis, but some rotate through every other week. If you have questions about the Tsunami Winter Market or if you would like to sign up for their newsletter, which includes a complete list of vendors from week to week, email Van Cheeseman at vanlee2001@yahoo.com. And while you’re at it, take a minute this Thanksgiving to realize how truly blessed we are to have two great markets in our very own neighborhood.

By Suzzane Striker

Soon you will find a flyer on your door asking for donations for the annual Cooper-Young Thanksgiving Food Drive. 1^st Congregational Church’s Loaves and Fishes food pantry (located at Cooper and Walker) needs our help. Like all such pantries in these difficult times, the Loaves and Fishes food pantry is experiencing an increase in those who need their services and a decrease in donations.

What makes the Loaves and Fishes food pantry distinct from other pantries is that it provides assistance to residents who live right here in Cooper-Young, Idlewild, and surrounding areas. What would be a simple trip to MIFA for most of us can be a complicated ordeal for those who lack transportation. These individuals have to ride the bus and then carry food bags back home on a bus. For those who are struggling with health issues or who have small children in tow, the trip is even more daunting. Once a month, members of 1^st Congo Church help local residents get to the Loaves and Fishes pantry to pick up food and then take them home.

The church serves hot meals on Sunday, and on Tuesday and Thursday they serve hot lunch and snacks. Many kids stop by on their way home from school. For some a late lunch is also their dinner. People can also pick up emergency staples to carry them over until they can come to the monthly grocery shopping Sunday. These services are why having a local community food pantry is so important and why our CY food drive is so essential for the pantry, especially with the upcoming holidays.

Remember, recipients of food from Loaves and Fishes are our neighbors. Some have become victims of layoffs, some are single parents who work hard but can’t make ends meet, some live on fixed incomes, and some are dealing with unexpected, serious medical issues. Anyone in our neighborhood can use the services at the pantry in a time of need.

All donations, monetary or non-perishable foods, are welcome, but the pantry is in particular need of Vienna sausages, fruit juices, and individually wrapped snacks. The Thanksgiving Food Drive will be held Saturday, November 19, from 9 to 10am. If you would like to make a donation and/or help deliver flyers or pick up donations the day of the food drive, please contact Suzzane Striker at suzzanes@comcast.net or phone 901-276-6450.

By Sue Easley

Good news Cooper-Young and Memphians! Local food lovers will be able to continue shopping for the region’s best locally produced products during the cool months in Memphis. The Cooper-Young Community Farmers Market (CYCFM) has expanded to a year-round market starting November 5, 2011. By extending the market season, the market will allow more small farmers to continue bringing in income for their families and their businesses, while also providing fresh, nutritious food to the community all year. Additionally, the market’s rapidly growing EBT/SNAP program and matching funds incentive, Double Green$, will continue to be available to food stamp recipients.

“A year-round market in Cooper-Young is a natural next step for CYCFM,” said market manager Debbi La Rue. “It gives us an opportunity to support our farmers who are now prolonging the growing season using structures such as hoophouses. Year-round also means continued access to fresh, healthful foods for area residents, including those who rely on food stamp assistance.”

“Just because it’s cool outside does not mean you can no longer get local, farm-fresh produce,” said farmer and board chair Lori Greene. “Besides the many storage and root vegetables such as carrots, onions, garlic, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, and winter squash, our farmers will have a variety of greens, such as kale, arugula, spinach, and Asian greens during the winter.”

The year-round market will feature a number of new and returning vendors selling fresh produce, meat, poultry, fish, prawns, farm eggs, regional artisan cheeses, mushrooms, breads, baked goods, honey, prepared foods, jams and preserves, and other specialty items. Locally roasted coffee will be available by the bag or the drink along with other beverages. The market’s popular Etsy and Friends Artisan Faires will continue on a regular basis, with more planned for the holiday season.

“On behalf of our farmers, food vendors, and artisans, I want to express our excitement as we take this next step in growing our local food movement,” Greene added. “And, what better place to shop, eat, and ‘get local’ than the up-and-coming Cooper-Young food district!”

The opening of the year-round market follows a growing trend of such markets across the US. There are now almost 900 winter farmers markets in the nation, which represents 14 percent of all farmers markets in the country, according to the US Department of Agriculture’s website.

The Cooper-Young Community Farmers Market is located in the parking lot of First Congregational Church at 1000 South Cooper and runs from 8am to 1pm through October 29. From November 5 through mid-April, hours will be 9am to 1pm. Ample free parking is available in First Congo’s parking lot and on the street.

The Cooper-Young Community Farmers Market, founded in 2009, is a grassroots-initiated, volunteer-run project of Slow Food Memphis, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. As its mission, CYCFM seeks to cultivate a vibrant, socially diverse community gathering place that promotes the viability of regional agriculture, fosters health and wellness, and ensures widespread access to affordable, nutritious food.

Opportunity to give to the Memphis Food Bank
By Pat Mitchell Worley

Little Helpers, a children’s volunteer organization, will be in Cooper-Young on Saturday, October 29, from 11am-12:30pm. The kids (ages 2 to tween) will travel our streets in their Halloween costumes collecting food for the Memphis Food Bank for their monthly service activity. Please prepare and give as generously as you are able.

Making strides against breast cancer
By Stephanie Wilson Nichols

The American Cancer Society’s 11th annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K of Memphis will be held on October 15 at Laurelwood Shopping Center at the corner of Poplar and Perkins Extended. This inspiring, noncompetitive 5K walk unites the entire community to honor and celebrate breast cancer survivors, educate women about the importance of early detection and prevention, and raise money to fund life-saving research and support programs to further our progress against this disease.

Community members are invited to be part of Memphis’ Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk. There is no pre-registration or registration fee. Donations are strongly encouraged. Registration begins at 7am and the walk begins at 8am. To form a team or learn about how you can participate in this family friendly walk, contact the American Cancer Society at 901-278-2091 or visit MakingStridesMemphis.org. Through events like Making Strides Against Breast Cancer the American Cancer Society is saving lives and creating a world with less breast cancer and more birthdays.

CY Community Farmers Market updates
By Barb Elder

In case you are like me and never carry cash, don’t let that stop you from getting fresh foods at the CY Community Farmers Market! According to their weekly newsletter (and my personal experience) “every Saturday, friendly staff members are standing by at our market information booth to assist you with credit, debit, and SNAP card transactions. Swipe your card, get a receipt, and get market tokens to spend with our vendors.” In addition, neighbors with SNAP benefits can get more for their money thanks to a new matching funds program called Double Green$. If you would like to learn more, drop by the market information booth.

And the good news just keeps on coming. The Memphis Flyer recently reported that the Board of the CY Community Farmers Market has decided that the market will remain open year round in their effort to provide fresh produce to the people in this area of the city. So keep those Saturday morning plans loose so that you can drop by and do a little shopping this winter.

News affecting upcoming Memphis elections
By Dee Nollner

Beginning January 1, 2012 registered voters will need a photo ID in order to vote. The first election after that date will be the Presidential Preference and County Primary on March 6, 2012. A TN driver’s license with photo is sufficient; even an expired photo license from another state will meet the requirement for registered voters. Any state or Federal government photo ID will be accepted, but student or local government ID will not be accepted. Registered voters over 60 who do not have a photo driver’s license can take the license to a Driver’s License location and have a photo applied. The 3200 East Shelby Drive location, south of the airport between Airways and Getwell, might be the most comfortable. Call 901-543-7920 for additional information.

Dee Nollner is the Shelby County Election Commissioner.

New food options coming to Cooper Street
By Barb Elder

More change is on its way to 940 South Cooper. This location, formerly filled by Grace and Au Fond Farm Table, is being transformed into a new restaurant called Alchemy. Perhaps some of you saw their sign out during the CY Festival with a sample menu scrolled across the window (Irish car bomb bread pudding and Parmigiano Reggiano French toast just to name a few of their tempting items). The opening date is unclear, but you can follow them on Facebook for the most up-to-date information.

Artisans on a mission
By Steve Garcia

In 2006, some members of St. John’s United Methodist Church (1207 Peabody Ave.) were having lunch, and one of them remarked that their congregation seemed to have an unusually large number of talented artists/crafters. One Sunday a few weeks later, their senior pastor at the time offered the following words from Frederick Buechner: “Vocation is where our greatest joy meets the world’s greatest need.” In other words, there are many ways to minister and effect change in the world, even through something like painting or knitting.

Soon after, a group of artists (painters, knitters, quilters, jewelry-makers, etc.) came together and called themselves Artisans on a Mission (stjohnsmidtown.org/artisansonamission). Their goal is to channel their artistic passions toward serving our community. As an organized group, they set up a booth annually at the Cooper-Young Festival to sell their artwork and handcrafted items. The money they make is applied toward various service projects. Artisans on a Mission is open to all members of the community. For more information or to join in, please call 901-726-4104 or visit the church’s website at stjohnsmidtown.org.

Newest addition to the Palladio Group
By Tamara Cook

The Palladio Group has just opened its newest shop, The WaterWorks Annex. The Annex, located at the corner of Central and Cox, showcases smaller items for the garden. The store has a large assortment of both glazed and clay pots, antique and new urns, garden statuary, bird feeders, as well as wild bird feed. A fenced courtyard which faces Central displays a large inventory of fountains. The Annex is open Monday through Saturday, 10am until 5pm at 2231 Central Avenue.

The Annex is a welcome addition to The Palladio Group’s ever growing collection of shops, gallery, and studio, which includes: Palladio - 2169 Central; Market Central - 2215 Central; Gallery Fifty Six - 2256 Central; WaterWorks – 741 South Cox; The WaterWorks Annex – 2231 Central; Architectural Arts – 749 South Cox; Café Palladio - 2169 Central; Memphis Art Factory - 777 South Cox; and Crafted Classic – 2215 Central. For more information, call 901-276-3808 or visit them online at thepalladiogroup.com.

David Perry Smith Gallery October show
By Barb Elder

In a recent press release, David Perry Smith Gallery announced the opening of their new show called summariness’ end that features new work from artists Alex Walter, Brad Robertson, Martica Griffin, Mary Long-Postal, and John Sadowski. The opening reception is to be held Friday, September 30, from 5-8pm, and the show will be available for viewing September 26 thru October 29. David Perry Smith Gallery is located at 703 New York, and gallery hours are Tuesday – Saturday from 10am-5pm. For more information go to davidperrysmithgallery.com or call 901-606-9690

By Renée Massey

In Cooper-Young and around Memphis, we’re finally getting some relief from the intense heat of the recent summer months. As the weather cools and autumn festivities get underway, many of us start thinking about and planning for the holidays. When you visit family in far-away places, will your pets be going with you? If Fido pants, paces, and whines or Fluffy howls and hisses in the car, you may have second thoughts about taking your beloved furry family member on a long trip. Many of our pets are happy travelers, but others need the comfort and security of their own environment. If your furry friend is happier at home, but you plan on traveling this fall or during the holidays, your Cooper-Young Community Association membership can save you some cash, and I’ll tell you how.

Mr. Scruff’s Pet Care offers CYCA members a 15% discount on the purchase of a package of 24 TLC visits. But what if you don’t need 24 visits? When I recently asked Eileen Castine of Mr. Scruff’s Pet Care about her CYCA sponsorship, she said she can even deduct a smaller percentage for those of us who only need a few visits per year or per month. So whether you need pet care while you’re out of town, when you’re working long hours and can’t get home for a pet potty break, or if you need someone to look in on an elderly pet during the normal work day, your CYCA membership can help save money on this service.

When asked why Mr. Scruff’s Pet Care is a CYCA membership sponsor, Eileen told me that she wants to contribute to making Cooper-Young a good place to live. That goes right along with the CYCA mission! Eileen keeps a busy schedule, and the sponsorship allows her to contribute to Cooper-Young even when she doesn’t have enough time to volunteer. She said, “I love living here because Cooper-Young is a vibrant, creative, caring, and diverse neighborhood, filled with people who are always looking for ways to celebrate and better our community and beyond. I feel at home here.” Eileen told me that being a membership sponsor has positively impacted her business because it gives Mr. Scruff’s Pet Care visibility. Community members know who to call when they need home care, even if that is some time in the future. She expressed how rewarding it has been serving our area and meeting caring pet guardians and their furry family members. Because Eileen’s business offers the kind of love and care that comes with knowing pets are family, Mr. Scruff’s Pet Care is very busy during the holidays. If you will need Mr. Scruff’s Pet Care this holiday season, be sure to contact them soon to ensure they will have availability for your pet. Mr. Scruff’s can be reached at 901-725-9216, on the web at mrscruff.net, or on Facebook.

Speaking of pets, puppies to be exact, another of our CYCA membership sponsors has the goods to hush your puppies. Along with increasingly famous fried catfish, po’ boys, and fresh vegetables, Soul Fish Café at 862 South Cooper has some of the best hushpuppies in the South. (And where else are you going to get hushpuppies?) Soul Fish Café generously offers CYCA members one complimentary lunch or dinner entrée (up to $7) when a second lunch or dinner entrée of equal or greater value is purchased. Sweet! Oh, and speaking of sweet, did I mention that Soul Fish also has great desserts? The word “popular” does not begin to touch the demand for Soul Fish’s food, and the wait that can be seen outside the restaurant on almost any night will attest to this fact. So if your dogs are barking, take your CYCA membership card to Soul Fish Café and ask them for some hushpuppies with your entrées.

If you’re not yet a member of the CYCA, there is no better time than now to support the special things happening in this neighborhood. Join the CYCA online at cooperyoung.org, in person at 2298 Young Avenue, or by telephone at 901-272-2922. Your dues are your ticket to the membership card that wins you discounts at local businesses like Mr. Scruff’s Pet Care and Soul Fish Café. Check them out today, and be sure to thank them for sponsoring the organization whose entire mission is to make Cooper-Young a safer and more desirable place to live, worship, work (while your pets are being looked after), and play (like eating at great local restaurants)!

By Heather Waldo
Angel Food Ministries (AFM), the nation’s largest nonprofit food ministry, will join in supporting National Hunger Action Month in September. Every month AFM donates more than 600 of its food packages free to those in need while also offering food packages at 30-50% off retail prices to anyone.
“Hunger continues to affect millions of Americans day in and day out. Nearly 15 percent (17.4 million) of US households are food insecure and have difficulty providing enough food for all members of their family,” said Pastor Wes Wingo, AFM chief information officer and CEO of Ministry Development. “Children make up an important percentage of those who are food insecure. During these challenging economic times, it is even more difficult for those in need to provide nutritious food to their families.”
Founded in 1994, AFM serves hundreds of thousands of customers in 45 states through some 5000 churches. Anyone can order AFM food packages and SNAP (food stamp) participants can use their EBT cards to purchase food packages. There are no qualifications, income criteria, or forms to fill out. Food packages can be ordered online, by phoning 1-888-819-3745, or through local churches. To locate your nearest host site and/or to order online, visit angelfoodministries.com and click on “Order Online.” The closest site to CY is 2.5 miles away.
AFM offers a dozen standard food packages and a number of specialty packages at great discounts because it purchases food in bulk, does not have retail space and labor costs, does not advertise, uses less packaging, and benefits from the labor of some 40,000 volunteers at their partner churches. Angel Food offers food packages ranging in price from $17 to $55. National comparison shopping at leading grocery retailers indicates a savings of anywhere from 30 to 50 percent or more. Each month’s menu is different than the previous month and consists of fresh, frozen, and dry food products. Angel Food also offers specialty boxes such as steaks, chicken, seafood, and pork.
AFM is non-denominational and does not require religious faith to order their food packages. AFM also does not rely on donations – less than 1 percent of AFM revenues come from donations.
To review this month’s menu, please visit angelfoodministries.com.

Elzey Entrance
Nutty Bavarian (Roasted and Flavored Nuts)
East Evelyn
Gary’s Australian Food Stop (Tamales, Grilled Hot Dogs, Drinks)
Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream
West Evelyn
McAlister’s Deli (Famous Sweet Tea)
Children’s Area
Pronto Pups
Lenny’s Sub Shops (Grilled Hotdogs, Cookies, Chips, Bottled Water)
West Nelson
Flavor Island  (Flavored Ice Treats)
Gazebo Area
Dixon Lemonade
Begley Dogs (Grilled Bratwurst, Drinks)
Oliver West
TCBY (Frozen Yogurt Treats)
Bank Parking
Uncle Lou’s (Fried Chicken)
Maxwell’s Concessions (Funnel Cakes, Lemonade, Snowcream, Cotton Candy)
Pronto Pups
Italian Sausage
Dixon Lemonade (Lemonade, Nachos, Cotton Candy, Funnel Cakes, Snow Cones)
Blythe/Young
Maxwell’s Concessions (Gyros, Lemonade)
Maxwell’s Concessions (Funnel Cakes, Lemonade, Snowcream, Cotton Candy)
Icicle Tricycle (Roaming Popsicles)
First Congo
Pronto Pups
Crepe Maker (Handmade Crepes)
Maxwell’s Concessions (Hamburgers, Hotdogs, Chicken Fries, Cotton Candy)
Las Delicias (Mexican Food)
Makeda’s Cookies (Butter Cookies – booth D8)
Dixon Lemonade (Lemonade, Nachos, Cotton Candy, Funnel Cakes, Snow Cones)