Want to Feed a Friend? Get a Permit

Cal Thomas | Syndicated Columnist | Updated: Jan 19, 2011

Want to Feed a Friend? Get a Permit

January 19, 2011

File this story under "no good deed goes unpunished."

A Houston couple has spent the last year providing food for the homeless. They left behind no trash, handed out warm meals and no crimes were committed. They called their effort "Feed a Friend."

Two weeks ago, the city government shut them down because the couple didn't have a permit and they are unlikely to get one.

A city official says anyone serving food for public consumption must have a permit. To get that permit the food must be prepared in a certified kitchen with a certified food manager.

Did I mention that Democrats run the city of Houston? How crazy is this? No homeless person has reported any problems with the food or any illness associated with it. Doesn't matter. The long arm of government reaches into charitable work. I guess the command of Jesus is only partial. "Feed the hungry," he said. Clearly he wasn't aware that in Houston that requires a permit.

Cal Thomas is a nationally syndicated columnist based in Washington, D.C.

Want to Feed a Friend? Get a Permit