Walton County Angel Food Ministries Lays off 90

WALTON COUNTY, Ga. - For the first time in 17 years, Angel Food Ministries will not be able to fill its food orders.

A spokesman says the charity made the decision to suspend food distribution for the month of September because they couldn't guarantee that they could fill orders at the prices they and their clients could afford.

Officials at Angel Food Ministries confirmed Wednesday that all 90 staff members at the organization's Walton County headquarters had been laid off.

A spokesman went on to say that unpaid senior management and ministers of outreach in 45 states continue to work for the ministry.

In a written statement, Angel Food Ministries said they would not be able to fill orders placed in the month of September. They said they would be making full refunds, calling this a temporary problem.

Officials noted they have faced operational and financial challenges during the recession, but went on to say, "We have every intention to continue offering great food at great prices in coming months.....we are seeking solutions to build a viable business model to sustain our operations."

A spokesman for the AFM says the company has been struggling to continue to offer food at deeply discounted prices, even though it meant operating at a loss.

Angel Food Ministries works with some 5,000 churches and organizations nationwide.

News of the massive layoffs comes amid an ongoing federal investigation into the Angel Food Ministries operations, alleging financial mismanagement at the non-profit.

Sources close to the investigation say a grand jury is meeting this week on the matter.

Two of the charity's board members alleged the family misused the charity's money.

Angel Food Ministries is run by the Reverend Joseph Wingo, his wife and two sons.

Ministry officials say clients who've already placed their orders for the month of September will receive full refunds, and say many of the volunteers who were laid off in Monroe have stayed on as volunteers.