MONROE - Monroe-based nonprofit Angel Food Ministries says it's suspending food distribution for the month of September.

The organization said Wednesday it has laid off its full-time staff in Monroe, although many are remaining on a volunteer basis.

Angel Food Ministries blames the economy, rising food and fuel prices, declining sales and operational costs for the moves.

The organization works through a network of churches and community organizations across the U.S. Food boxes are sold for up to half off what a customer might pay in retail stores.

Angel Food Ministries says it expects to resume food distribution soon and is looking at ways to reorganize.