Group Arrested for Feeding Homeless in Orlando
By: Becky Bracken
Published: June 3, 2011

Since when is feeding hungry people a crime? Since now in Orlando, Florida. Members of the group "Food Not Bombs" were arrested for feeding homeless people in a public park. They are accused of violating an ordinance that bans feeding more than 25 people at a time in the park without a permit. Any group is only allowed two permits annually. 
The problems all started in 2005 when the Food Not Bombs folks began feeding the homeless twice a week in a park called Lake Eola. Neighbors didn't appreciate the efforts and complained. The ordinance was passed in 2006 and the Food not Bombs people filed suit. 
According to The Washington Post Douglas Coleman, the Food Not Bombs spokesman, takes a far different view of the situation. "They basically carted them off to jail for feeding hungry people. For them to regulate a time and place for free speech and to share food is unacceptable." 
What do you think? Are you on the side of neighbors or do you think feeding the homeless is constitutionally protected?

Comments:
Megan
June 3, 2011

If not for archaic laws stating that only two permits could be awarded per year to the group then this would be easily avoided by the organization just getting the dumb permits from the city to feed more than 25 in that park. Outdated laws and legislation serve the interests of nobody. Sad.
DJ Karma

I cook for Food Not Bombs in CA.  It's a pity that people don't understand just how much food goes to waste every day- and how we can all do something to reduce hunger in our country.  Laws like this only hinder this movement.  By the way, Food Not Bombs is not just for the homeless, but for anyone who wants to do the right thing and not waste good food.  Shame on those who would not share their park twice a week with those who are in need and those who want to make a difference!
Kenya

I can tell you that feeding the homeless is constitutionally protected. However, feeding large numbers of homeless people in a public park is not. It is a sad statement of where we are as a society when the constitutionality of when and where we feed hungary Peoe even has to be considered, let alone debated.