Woman In Trouble For Feeding Hungry Children

bleedlikeme · 08-15-12 at 08:52 PM

CHESTER TWP., Pa. - An effort to help the community nearly stopped short because of red tape. A Delaware County woman says all she wanted was to feed hungry children, but got in trouble with leaders in her township.

The woman behind this effort is donating her time and energy to help the kids in her neighborhood. But she didn't clear it with township officials, so they're cracking down.

Every day at lunchtime, the kids in this neighborhood can get a healthy meal for free. In a township where the per capita income hovers around $19,000 a year, that's no small gift. Angela Prattis makes it possible.

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia supplies the food and keeps close tabs on the program. Prattis has to fill out weekly reports. And every other week a state worker checks on her.

So, imagine her surprise when Chester Township officials told her she'd have to shut it down.

The township says Prattis is in violation of zoning codes. She lives in a residential zone where handing out food to children is not allowed.

Prattis says when the township's parks director told her, she pleaded for assistance.

The township says Prattis needs to go before the zoning board to ask for a variance but that's going to cost her up to $1,000 in administrative fees.

They're letting her finish out the summer but have warned her next summer they'll fine her $600 a day if she doesn't comply.

Code: Select All

http://www.myfoxphilly.com/story/19267492/women-feeding-children-in-neighborhood-told-to-stop-by-township

**tomandsusan** · 08-15-12 at 08:56 PM

Nice to have such a caring government looking out for the civilians. Funny how a little money in the right place makes it OK!

**skeleton89** · 08-15-12 at 09:05 PM

So pretty much let the kids starve if your trying to give food in near a neighborhood but anywhere else where there will likely not be kids it all good.

**rainbowspinner** · 08-15-12 at 09:06 PM

You'd think in a situation like this that they'd come to her with a solution instead of a list of rules and a hand out for fees.

I was going to say that the media attention on this article will probably get her the help she needs, but a quick google show that help is already being offered. Which is the way it should be. I hope "Chester Township officials" end up feeling like the idiots they are.

Adeno · 08-15-12 at 09:53 PM

Why punish people for trying to help? It's not like she's lacing the food with poison or anything. I think they should be thanking her or rewarding her with something instead of giving her stuff to feel bad about. Goodwill must be encouraged, not slapped with all sorts of legal trouble.

**usiel** · 08-15-12 at 10:22 PM

So messed up. I'm just...wow....no words describe the disappointment.

**Vivit4r** · 08-16-12 at 01:39 AM

While I do feel for the good willed lady, there are laws that are put in place for a reason. There are background checks that need to be performed, quality of food to be tested etc.
There are too many sickos in the world that hide behind such kind gestures, but I'll leave it up to your imaginations to what that can be and the possible outcomes that can occur. At least if policy is adhered to, there is some sort of tag on the situation. Also, the local government would not be held accountable for allowing something "unknowingly" under their noses, as there will routine checks to avoid ramifications if something were to go awry.

**Silvergrin** · 08-16-12 at 06:52 AM

Stuff like this is why I hate the government.

**SteveJones7** · 08-16-12 at 07:16 AM

@Vivit4r in some cases you would have one hell of a point, and I hope the people here reading DONT gloss over what you wrote, its important stuff.

But in this case, The lady is well known to the community and township officials, and the upholders of these rules were being power douches.

Theres a time for law, and a time for sense.

Sense lost at first, but its getting sorted, as rainbow pointed out.

08-15-12 at 08:56 PM	#2
tomandsusan Guru Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Never Never Land Posts: 5,750	Nice to have such a caring government looking out for the civilians. Funny how a little money in the right place makes it OK!

08-15-12 at 09:05 PM	#3
skeleton89 Exhausted Phantom Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 133	So pretty much let the kids starve if your trying to give food in near a neighborhood but anywhere else where there will likely not be kids it all good.

08-15-12 at 09:06 PM	#4
rainbowspinner Elder Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 2,572	You'd think in a situation like this that they'd come to her with a solution instead of a list of rules and a hand out for fees. I was going to say that the media attention on this article will probably get her the help she needs, but a quick google show that help is already being offered. Which is the way it should be. I hope "Chester Township officials" end up feeling like the idiots they are.

08-15-12 at 09:53 PM	#5
Adeno Master Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 1,161	Why punish people for trying to help? It's not like she's lacing the food with poison or anything. I think they should be thanking her or rewarding her with something instead of giving her stuff to feel bad about. Goodwill must be encouraged, not slapped with all sorts of legal trouble.

08-15-12 at 10:22 PM	#6
usiel Master Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 1,127	So messed up. I'm just...wow....no words describe the disappointment.

08-16-12 at 01:39 AM	#7
Vivit4r The World is Ours Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Florida, USA Posts: 1,996	While I do feel for the good willed lady, there are laws that are put in place for a reason. There are background checks that need to be performed, quality of food to be tested etc. There are too many sickos in the world that hide behind such kind gestures, but I'll leave it up to your imaginations to what that can be and the possible outcomes that can occur. At least if policy is adhered to, there is some sort of tag on the situation. Also, the local government would not be held accountable for allowing something "unknowingly" under their noses, as there will routine checks to avoid ramifications if something were to go awry.

08-16-12 at 06:52 AM	#8
Silvergrin Hunter's Moon Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 920	Stuff like this is why I hate the government.

08-16-12 at 07:16 AM	#9
SteveJones7 Too sexy for this board Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: teh earth Posts: 1,541	@Vivit4r in some cases you would have one hell of a point, and I hope the people here reading DONT gloss over what you wrote, its important stuff. But in this case, The lady is well known to the community and township officials, and the upholders of these rules were being power douches. Theres a time for law, and a time for sense. Sense lost at first, but its getting sorted, as rainbow pointed out.