“There’s no limit on how much somebody wants to purchase,” said Rev. Vincent Fusco, executive director of the mission. “It’s really for anybody, especially with the economy the way it is. We’re trying to help people – help them stretch their budget a little bit.”

Specials for senior citizens and allergen-free boxes are also available, as are seafood mixes and holiday specials.

Anyone is eligible -- there are no restrictions or income tests. “If somebody says, ‘Here’s a $30 coupon. Go to Pathmark, put $60 worth of food in your basket but pay only $30,’ would you do it? Of course you would. I would do it. My wife would throw me out if I put that coupon away,” said Fusco.

With the purchase of one standard, $30 box, a customer has the option of buying a “special box,” including the “All Premium Fresh Fruit and Veggie Box,” containing more than 12 types of fruit.

Food stamps are also an acceptable form of payment, providing assistance to those who need it most.

“We have this one lady who comes in and spends $186 for her entire food stamp budget, so she’s going home with $400 worth of food,” the reverend said.

You can even place orders online at AngelFoodMinistries.com, though deadlines do apply and purchases must be picked up in person. Orders must be placed by May 18 for this month’s delivery, with distribution taking place on May 30, with a Seafood Box premiering this month as a standard at $35.

With this kind of deal, you might expect poor quality, but Fusco was quick to dispel that impression. “We have top-name products – Amish Farms, Perdue, Kraft. The frozen stuff comes in frozen, the others fresh – once a month.”

Lighthouse Mission’s services are not limited to Project Angel Food. The reverend and his staff and volunteers help with housing and vocational training, hold English as a Second Language and G.E.D. courses, provide a soup kitchen, and offer an after-school program, which holds recitals for major holidays and even provides backpacks full of school supplies every September. They also run a women’s shelter in Midwood.

All these programs are free.

“It lines up with what our mission is,” said Fusco. “We’re a community development corporation that specializes in meeting people’s needs.”

The church is seeking funding to expand. Fusco hopes to spread awareness of the Lighthouse Mission, especially amid the economic crisis affecting just about everyone.

“I think it’s a good asset to the community because it helps make ends meet in this time when we’re having difficulties,” said Carolyn Anderson, who has been a customer for more than a year. “Thank God that there is a place like this.”