The Food Police versus NY City's Churches and Synagogues

[Meriweather]

Almost forgot about this--I first heard about it this morning on a radio program as I was driving to work.



New York City mayor has told churches and synagogues they may no longer deliver food to government run facilities because the City cannot assess the nutritional content of donated food items.

“DHS Commissioner Seth Diamond says the ban on food donations is consistent with Mayor Bloomberg’s emphasis on improving nutrition for all New Yorkers. A new interagency document controls what can be served at facilities – dictating serving sizes as well as salt, fat and calorie contents, plus fiber minimums and condiment recommendations,” says the article.

http://www.wnd.com/2012/03/new-york-...ood-donations/


My question: Has America gone insane?

[Dancer]

Almost forgot about this--I first heard about it this morning on a radio program as I was driving to work.



New York City mayor has told churches and synagogues they may no longer deliver food to government run facilities because the City cannot assess the nutritional content of donated food items.



http://www.wnd.com/2012/03/new-york-...ood-donations/


My question: Has America gone insane?

No, just the liberals.

[Abe]

Define "Gone"...

[Meriweather]

Define "Gone"...

Seriously. How do you begin to have a conversation with a mayor who doesn't want to accept food donations from churches and synogogues because they cannot monitor nutrient content? If these food donations are not accepted, does this mean he wishes to tax city residents so he can buy specific foods from specific suppliers? Or, does he want the hungry to have less food?

I'm remembering this is also the mayor who doesn't want schools renting their facilities out to churches on weekends.

[Meriweather]

A quick break: Alex Smith! Sign already.

Go 'Niners!

[Mimiheart]

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/opinion...vfOiApSHngxuMJ

Here's the original op-ed.

Looks like they're turning away pre-made surplus -- which I can sort-of understand. There's also a food safety issue thing at work, here, not just as "OMG, too many calories, get them away!" I know, at least around here, we can't give leftovers from our events to the shelters unless it falls into certain categories, and even then, we rarely do because of the hoops you have to jump through to get it there. Unless it's a planned event (making something specifically to take to the people waiting in line on Christmas, for example) we don't usually deal with fresh food for the homeless shelters, just cans and the like.

[MoleUK]

Ya, it's to protect them from being sued. Spoiled food etc, or allergic reactions.

Personally I think you should just have to sign a waiver when accepting 'free' food, makes more sense. Still, might be more trouble than it's worth.

WP thread on it here: http://forums.hannity.com/showthread.php?t=2408781

[DavidC]

Almost forgot about this--I first heard about it this morning on a radio program as I was driving to work.



New York City mayor has told churches and synagogues they may no longer deliver food to government run facilities because the City cannot assess the nutritional content of donated food items.



http://www.wnd.com/2012/03/new-york-...ood-donations/


My question: Has America gone insane?

Yes, insane it is.

There are radical marxists taking over and people just sit and let them do it.

[Meriweather]

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/opinion...vfOiApSHngxuMJ

Here's the original op-ed.

Looks like they're turning away pre-made surplus -- which I can sort-of understand. There's also a food safety issue thing at work, here, not just as "OMG, too many calories, get them away!" I know, at least around here, we can't give leftovers from our events to the shelters unless it falls into certain categories, and even then, we rarely do because of the hoops you have to jump through to get it there. Unless it's a planned event (making something specifically to take to the people waiting in line on Christmas, for example) we don't usually deal with fresh food for the homeless shelters, just cans and the like.

First, the Synagogue has been donating food for years without food safety being an issue. Second, the food safety issue wasn't even mentioned as a reason for no longer accepting the food. The stated reason was that the nutritional value could not be determined.

If I were hungry and I had a choice between a home-style meal and a can, I'm pretty sure I'd choose home-style.

I do understand food safety, but unless the mayor's task force and news media didn't note this, food safety isn't why certain food, which has been donated for years, is no longer being accepted.

[Mimiheart]

First, the Synagogue has been donating food for years without food safety being an issue. Second, the food safety issue wasn't even mentioned as a reason for no longer accepting the food. The stated reason was that the nutritional value could not be determined.

If I were hungry and I had a choice between a home-style meal and a can, I'm pretty sure I'd choose home-style.

I do understand food safety, but unless the mayor's task force and news media didn't note this, food safety isn't why certain food, which has been donated for years, is no longer being accepted.

The city also cites food-safety issues with donations, but it’s clear that the real driver behind the ban is the Bloomberg dietary diktats.

Since I can't find an actual news article anywhere, I'll just point out that they DO mention food safety issues.

[Ric]

Since I can't find an actual news article anywhere, I'll just point out that they DO mention food safety issues.

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/m...P4meRXUjJF2o8M

banning what should be freedoms. absolutely un-american.

[Meriweather]

Since I can't find an actual news article anywhere, I'll just point out that they DO mention food safety issues.

I understand. But are they proven past issues, or possibilities that have not yet occurred? Inquiring minds wish to know.

[Guvnah]

"Will work for
(properly balanced, salt-regulated, calorie-counted, government-approved)
food."

[Meriweather]

"Will work for (properly balanced, salt-regulated, calorie-counted, government-approved) food."

Grin.

[jkm]

Know what? I was going to read the article to be better informed, but I'm afraid if I do I'll be throwing a fit.

I guess in New Yuck ****ty it's best to not eat at all then to even get a food donation given in good faith, even if it doesn't have the four basic food groups.

I am very happy I don't live in New Yuck ****ty as I on occasion give to a community based food bank, and I make sure my donations have the four basic food groups: sugar, salt, fat and caffeine.

About that last part I am kidding, but I do include a lot of those in my daily fare. Perhaps if I lived in New Yuck I'd go hungry. At this rate the food police may go through everyone's lunch, as they did at that school in North Carolina, and mine will be seized for lack of nutritional content.

A pox on Michelle Obama and her pediatric obesity and nutrition initiative! I think this story, btw, is also posted in WP.