San Antonio Holiday Events - December 2009

With the wonders of the web, you can find so much to do over this holiday season - truly something for everyone, and lots of it with free admission!

1. There's a handy calendar tool at VisitSanAntonio.Com -- you plug in the dates, and it gives you back a list of events in the San Antonio area along with detailed information (location, if it's free, etc.). 

2.  Go to HistoricSanAntonio.Com and you'll find a list of events to choose from (including the beautiful Fiesta de las Luminarias). 

3.  About.com's San Antonio page has a nice list -- and some things appear there that might not be on some of the other sites. 

4.  SAEvents.Com is interesting because its home page asks you to pick your interests, and then the site takes you to things you might like -- art, sports, etc.

5.  Finally, the San Antonio Riverwalk has its own events calendar ready for your review online and it covers more than just the confines of the Riverwalk itself.  For example, you can learn about the Cowboy Christmas with Cowboy Santa over the weekend of December 19-20 at the Enchanted Springs Ranch. 

So, even if we didn't get any snow last Friday we remain so blessed to live in this remarkable, wonderful city of ours.  Get out there and find some fun with you and yours!!! Have a happy, happy holiday season!

Image of the Riverwalk at Christmas 2005 - Zereshk, Wikimedia Commons

Caregiver Support: Angel Food Ministries Is Great - Quality Food for Half Price

Since our first post about Angel Food Ministries, things have changed. For the better!

You can order online and choose where you will pick up your order from several different sites, all within a 20 mile radius of your zip code entry.

You can apply for food stamps via the Angel Food website, and they will coordinate through the USDA to have a case worker in your area contact you, to finalize things.

You can get a nice magazine, The Servant --a free copy is placed with every order.

You have a bigger selection. The menu selections have really expanded -- there's a lot more to choose from, and a real variety of menu options for different needs (allergen free, seniors, etc.)

The Angel Food Selections Have Lots of Choices Now

For example, the Seniors Box for September 2009 provides the following for $28.00: ten (10) meals on cute, round plates that are nutritionally balanced, seasoned, and pre-cooked with seniors in mind. Each meal has 3 oz. of protein, a starch, and two veggies/fruit. Assorted desserts come, too -- applesauce, cookies, fruit cups, and juice.

September's ten Senior Box meals include: (1) country herb chicken w/mashed potatoes, broccoli and green bean blend; (2) swedish meatballs with pasta, broccoli, carrots, and red pepper; and (3) breaded baked fish with wild rice, corn and peas. [See the above image.]

The Signature Box provides food (meat, veggies, etc.) to feed a family of four for one week. It costs $30.00. You do have to know how to cook, the meat is raw and the ingredients are staples, not ready-to-heat items.

There's three choices in meat boxes (7 lbs, 11 lbs, 5 lbs) and a produce box to choose, as well as an allergen-free option. Each is under $24.00.

Order Now for Thanksgiving!!!

Thanksgiving Meals can be ordered now. The Thanksgiving Box provides all this for $36.00:

7 lbs. Roaster
2.5 lbs. boneless ham
2 lbs. frozen diced sweet potatoes
3.5 lbs. corn on the cob
2lbs. green beans
1 lb. frozen cranberries
17oz. ready to cook cornbread dressing
8 ct. heat and serve large dinner rolls
4. 5 oz. brown gravy mix
1 dessert (a pie or a cake)
1 recipe sheet with scripture.

What is Angel Food Ministries? From their website:

"By buying food from first rate suppliers at substantial volume discounts,Angel Food Ministries is able to provide families with approximately $65 worth of quality nutritious food for $30. Angel Food Ministries does not use out-of-date food or inferior products.

"Each month's menu is different and consists of fresh, frozen and packaged food. Angel Food is purchased from the nation’s top food suppliers. Providing quality,
nutritious food at significant discounts on a regular basis is one practical way to give people a “hand up” during difficult times. The cost for a box of Angel Food is $30. There is no purchase limit for boxes of Angel Food.

"There are no applications or qualifications necessary to purchase. Comparison shopping nationwide in various grocery stores has revealed that the average retail value for the same food items would be approximately $65. Generally, one box of Angel Food assists in feeding a family of four for about one week or a single senior citizen for almost a month.

"Each month, Angel Food Ministries also offers “specialty boxes” of steak, chicken, pork or other foods. This bonus program affords participants additional food choices at a great value. There is no purchase limit for specialty boxes or bonus foods. There are no applications or qualifications necessary to purchase. There are no restrictions, conditions or forms to fill out to purchase Angel Food. The food relief program is open to one and all. Anyone may purchase an unlimited number of boxes of Angel Food by placing an order with a local Angel Food host site."

Order. Order for whomever you choose, and buy as many boxes as you like. Go to the designated site with stuff to carry your goodies off (bring a cooler!) and your money or food stamps. That's it. No applications, no questions asked.

CareGiver Support: Non-Qualifying Budget Help

Court personnel, as well as probate practioners, deal with a great number of individuals who are helping care for an elderly or incapacitated loved one. We know the costs involved, and appreciate the real financial burden this can sometimes place upon a family. This is particularly true for families who have income high enough to prevent qualification for some programs, and yet face budgeting for elder care and kids in college at the same time.

Here are 2 great resources which do not require any qualification. Anyone can participate who chooses to do so.

1. Angel Food Ministeries -- restaurant quality food sold at discount prices, including great bargains on things like steaks and seafood. Each month, a package of high-quality goods is offered. A sample month (all for $25):

1 package chicken nuggets
4 8-oz hamburger steaks
4 6-oz pork chops
1.5 lb. thick bacon
1 dozen eggs
2-lb bag of frozen French fries
5 bagels
2-lb bag of onions
4 Delicious Apples
5 Bananas
1 Gourmet Pie.

From their site:

"Angel Food Ministeries is a non-profit, non-denominational organization dedicated to providing grocery relief and financial support to communities throughout the United States....

"Angel Food's groceries are sold in a quantity that can fit into a medium-sized box at $25 per unit. Each month's menu is different than the previous month and consists of both fresh and frozen items with an average retail value of approximately $50. Comparison shopping has been done across the country in various communities using a wide range of retail grocery stores and has resulted in the same food items costing from between $42 and $78.

"Generally, one unit of food assists in feeding a family of four for about one week or a single senior citizen for almost a month. The food is all the same high quality one would purchase at a grocery store. There are no second-hand items, no damaged or out-dated goods, no dented cans without labels, no day-old breads and no produce that is almost too ripe.

"Also offered are specialty boxes such as steaks, chicken and pork. Many participants in this bonus program appreciate the expanded choices. Additionally, there is no limit to the number of units or bonus foods an individual can purchase, and there are no applications to complete or qualifications to which participants must adhere. Angel Food Ministries, like most all other retail grocery stores, also participates in the U.S. Food Stamp program, using the Off-Line Food Stamp Voucher system."

2. CareGivers' Marketplace -- cash back on dietary supplements; bathing and skin care; digestive health; incontinence care (adult diapers); home health care; mobility and independence; and nutrition.

From their site:

"The Caregivers Marketplace™ is the nation's first cash back program for anyone who gives, gets or needs care. You can receive cash back on eligible products that are not typically covered by insurance or Medicare – no matter where you buy them. Our program is free and your information is always kept confidential....Your cash back check will arrive in the mail within 4-6 weeks. It’s that simple."