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Want to save money on fresh food? Look no further than St. Ambrose parish in Latham, where volunteers have been selling high quality meats, cheeses and produce at low costs for years.

The parish is one of dozens of agencies partnered with the state Extra Helpings program through the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. Customers of any age or income can shop monthly for food packages, which include a $21 bag of four meats and two produce items.

"We feel that's a good thing for our community," said Kristine Maxwell, co-chair of St. Ambrose's food ministry.

Last month, about 20 customers ordered food, including sweet sausage links, frozen tilapia filets, packed ground beef, five-pound bags of potatoes, cantaloupe and 10-pound bags of boneless chicken breasts.

About 10 rotating volunteers unload delivery trucks and distribute packages to up to 30 customers out of the recently-added parish center. Customers range from large families, young adults or senior citizens to the recently unemployed.

The poor economy has not increased the customer base, volunteers say, but perhaps community members are not aware of the ministry.

St. Ambrose is the only parish in the Albany Diocese operating an Extra Helpings program, according to the Regional Food Bank's website. The only other Catholic agencies are the Roarke Center in Troy, Catholic Charities of Schoharie County and CoNSERNS-U in Rensselaer.

Diocesan Catholic Charities officials encourage parishes to try the program, but understand the limitations.

"You have to commit the time to do it," explained Jack Simeone, associate executive director of Catholic Charities. The parish also needs the space and availability of refrigeration.

The program makes St. Ambrose a small profit, which it turns over to the parish's St. Vincent de Paul ministry. But volunteers say they reap the benefit.

Eileen Zmijewski, a longtime parishioner, started helping at the ministry with her husband almost two years ago.

"It feels good that you're trying to help people," she said. [[In-content Ad]]

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