










































Who Can Speak for the Homeless? 
Developing a Sustainable Model for Feeding the Homeless of Philadelphia 
By: Anna Ralph

 
On March 14, 2012, Philadelphia mayor Michael Nutter stepped to the podium to announce new 
regulations concerning the outdoor feeding of the city’s homeless population, effective May 1. By the 
next day television news affiliates and the Associated Press had circulated the story throughout the 
country. It appeared that the City of Brotherly Love was preparing to turn its back on some of its 
neediest and most vulnerable, following calloused and self-serving motivations. 
 
This early interpretation proved to be an unfortunate exaggeration. The city had indeed taken some 
unprecedented steps, which had significant implications for the homeless and those who serve them; 
however, these steps reflected not disdain, but rather concern for the homeless population. For 
example, in conjunction with the city’s Board of Health and Department of Parks and Recreation, and 
citing concerns such as food safety, human dignity, and access to social services, Mayor Nutter had 
proposed ending all outdoor feeding of the homeless (and indigent) in city parks. Nutter asserted that 
indoor feeding locations would better serve the needs of the homeless. Critics immediately questioned 
the city’s altruism. Some of the main locations where citizen groups typically served the homeless 
were in city parks near cultural venues that attract tourists. 
 
In one area, the city was preparing to open a new $200 million museum at roughly the same time that 
the new regulations would be implemented. Accusations of trying to hide the homeless from sight came 
from many directions. In response, the city held hearings on the proposed regulations and listened to 
many expressions of concern as well as some misinformed accusations. It then modified the original 
proposal to remove some of the initial stipulations. Charitable groups could continue to feed the 
homeless outdoors, provided they meet some new food safety criteria and receive licenses from the 
Board of Health. City parks, however, were still off-limits for these food distributions. 
 
Despite the compromises, two months later this issue continued to be volatile in and around 
Philadelphia. Its contentiousness is likely related to the emotionally-charged issues it represents. Few 
things elicit more passionate responses than the topics of food, hunger, the homeless, human rights, 
social justice, suspicious governmental actions, and religious freedom. Much of the controversy centers 
on whose understanding of the needs of the homeless is most accurate and comprehensive. What are 
the food needs of the homeless, and what is the best way to meet these needs? To better understand 
the complex issues embodied in these questions, it is necessary to step back and take a dispassionate 
look at who the homeless are, what has been attempted to meet their needs, what societal factors 
complicate the issue, who can realistically speak for the homeless, and how a sustainable and holistic 
model of providing for the food needs of the homeless might be developed. 
 

Who Are the Homeless? 



A substantial literature is dedicated to defining the homeless, delineating the causes of their 
circumstances, and proposing remediation. It is not the purpose of this paper to provide an in-depth 
analysis, or even a summary, of these sources. Rather, the following discussion draws on definitions 
and demographics cited by Philadelphia homeless advocacy groups. Project H.O.M.E., one of the city’s 
largest homeless advocacy groups, defines homelessness in the following manner: “A person who is 
homeless does not have a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence” (Project H.O.M.E. 2012). 
The homeless are notoriously difficult to count. Many are tucked away in obscure park areas, vehicles, 
or abandoned houses. Nevertheless, Project H.O.M.E. estimates that approximately 4,000 people are 
homeless in Philadelphia on any given day, including only those “who are in shelters or on the streets.” 
Numbers vary seasonally, but in general only about 10% sleep on the streets. Of those in the city’s 
shelters, roughly 20% of individuals and 13% of families are “chronically homeless.” One third of the 
city’s shelter population is comprised of children (Project H.O.M.E. 2012). The number of homeless 
young adults, aged eighteen to twenty-four, is increasing. People of color, of all ages, are 
disproportionately represented, with over 80% being African-American. Approximately 85% of the city’s 
homeless are men (Moss-Coane 2012). 
 
The homeless include individuals struggling with substance abuse or mental illness, veterans, victims of 
domestic violence, and, increasingly, families. Circumstances which contribute to the likelihood of 
homelessness include bank foreclosures, lack of affordable housing, unemployment, decreasing public 
assistance, and lack of affordable health care (Project H.O.M.E. 2012). Many do not fit the public’s 
stereotype of a “typical” homeless person; some are even college-educated (Moss-Coane 2012). Despite 
the fact that the homeless share a physical space and a circumstance, they cannot be categorized with 
one tidy general description. Because they are so diverse, there is no single solution that will address 
the concerns of all. Their needs may appear to be the same: all need food, a place to live, and the 
means to support themselves. All are vulnerable and some are on similar journeys. But each is still an 
individual—with a unique story and perceptions of his or her circumstances and identity. Each one looks 
for a measure of control over their life, degrees of choice, and unique solutions tailored to individual 
circumstances. 
 

What Has Been Done to Help? 
A variety of groups has rallied over the years to attempt to provide the most basic of human needs—
food. Most of these do not distinguish between distributing food to the homeless and the indigent. 
Many also actively connect the homeless with shelters and with social services to find long-term 
solutions to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness. There are too many organizations to cite 
individually, but a pattern of involvement is apparent (see various websites in reference list 
corresponding to the following). Some non-profits offer meals indoors on a daily, or almost daily, basis. 
 
The Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission ambitiously provides three meals every day of the year; St. John’s 
Hospice serves lunch every weekday. Broad Street Ministry also serves indoors, but is currently limited 
to two days per week. Others employ a model which incorporates both indoor and outdoor 
distributions; Chosen 300 Ministries, an alliance of churches, serves indoors five times weekly but adds 



an outdoor meal on Saturdays from May to October. Other groups come to Center City weekly or 
biweekly to distribute food outdoors, usually on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway or in some other city 
park location. King’s Jubilee has been serving dinners on Thursdays for over 23 years; Philly Restart 
distributes on Mondays; Food Not Bombs Philadelphia covers Sundays and Mondays in one location and 
Wednesdays at another one. Then there are church, youth, and civic groups who sporadically arrive and 
pass out food where the homeless are known to congregate. 
 
Cumulatively, these groups and individuals impact the problem of hunger in downtown Philadelphia. 
But how great is that impact? It is challenging to judge the effectiveness of these programs—
outdoor/indoor, daily/weekly, informal/organizational. By what criteria should they be evaluated? In 
every case, someone who is hungry receives food. Moreover, everyone who shares has good intentions; 
many even try to implement holistic solutions to the systemic problems of homelessness. Relationships 
with “regulars” form and the food providers become “family” for the homeless. The challenge, though, 
is that no one is really in a position to see what unhealthy behaviors and mindsets are being reinforced 
and perpetuated—on both sides of the serving table. 
 

Narrative—New Regulations 
When the City of Philadelphia announced its new regulations in March 2012, it was the latest effort in a 
long history of measures to deal with homelessness. Feeding the homeless and the hungry has been a 
longstanding challenge for the city’s government as well as its citizens and charitable organizations. 
Mayor Nutter was quick to praise the efforts of those who had worked tirelessly to make a difference in 
the lives of the homeless. He thanked them “for the good work they are doing” but added, “we can do 
better.” Part of Mayor Nutter’s impetus was his own personal conviction that the hundreds he had 
often witnessed lined up in city parks, “shivering in the cold and rain, huddled in the dark,” waiting for 
a sandwich, deserved better. “I believe that people regardless of their station in life should be able to 
sit down at a table to a meal—inside, away from the heat and cold, the rain and snow, the vehicle 
exhaust and distractions of the street” (City of Philadelphia 2012). The new policy initiative he 
announced was “aimed at increasing the health, safety, dignity and support for those vulnerable 
individuals who now gain their daily and often less than daily sustenance from well-intentioned people 
distributing food on City streets.” 
 
The initiative involved multiple municipal departments. The Commissioner of Parks and Recreation 
issued a regulation that banned outdoor feeding in all city parks. The Commissioner of Public Property 
established a temporary food distribution location on the apron at the northwest corner of City Hall, 
equipped with running water and portable toilets. The Board of Health drafted a regulation that 
required any group distributing food to possess an Outdoor Feeding Permit provided by the Health 
Department as well as proof of training in safe food handling. Groups were also required to submit 
information concerning a contact person, the location where the food would be distributed, evidence 
of a licensed facility for food preparation, and possible menus (City of Philadelphia Department of 
Public Health 2012a). In making these changes, each department followed processes prescribed by law. 
Meetings were open to the public and constituents also could request (and be granted) hearings at 



which they could express their concerns. Some of these meetings and hearings were highly 
antagonistic, especially those at the Board of Health. Since the Board of Health was most closely 
connected with the actual food regulations, and since its process was the most contentious, it warrants 
a more detailed description. 
 
The January 12, 2012, minutes of the Board of Health reveal several items of interest: the Board is 
composed of medical doctors; the group was wrestling with how to regulate public feeding activities to 
ensure safety in preparation; and great concern was expressed that any improvements in regulation of 
food quality not “impede or diminish the availability of food.” The minutes also reveal that the Board 
listened to concerns from representatives of several non-profits currently conducting outdoor food 
distributions. One from Chosen 300 Ministries described the safe practices her group already followed 
and expressed concern that any complex regulations might challenge her organization’s ability to 
maintain its network of 1500 volunteers and the 75 unlicensed church kitchens in which food was 
prepared. The Board members inquired of those in attendance what kinds of regulatory changes could 
be beneficial and solicited their input. The Board decided to hold a special meeting in February to 
consider a draft of the proposed regulations, which would require a 30-day public comment period 
followed by a public hearing (City of Philadelphia Department of Public Health 2012c). 
 
The Board’s February minutes show that 85 constituents attended and many spoke. The minutes also 
indicate that the Board passed a draft version of the “Regulation of the Board of Health Concerning: 
Outdoor Feeding.” It should be noted here that at no point in the minutes or in the draft regulation 
was there an outright ban on outdoor feeding; rather, additional new requirements were introduced. 
Following discussions with those involved in food distribution, the application form had been 
streamlined. The major provisions of this regulation required: 1) an application and issuance of a 
permit (to be displayed at the food distribution site); 2) completion of a four-hour food-safety training 
course; 3) the presence of at least one trained individual onsite during preparation and delivery of 
meals; 4) all food to be prepared at inspected facilities; 5) provisions at distribution sites for hand 
washing; 6) advance information about menus and location of distribution. Fees would not be charged 
for the permits or the training classes (City of Philadelphia Department of Public Health 2012a). 
Additional discussion reflected that illnesses related to public feeding had not been evidenced. 
However, the department would not be aware of such outbreaks unless individuals presented 
themselves at a hospital, an unlikely scenario. There was also discussion about how the regulation 
would affect groups like Occupy Philadelphia. The answer was that the regulation would apply equally 
there (City of Philadelphia Department of Public Health 2012d). 
 
The public hearing conducted by the Board of Health on March 15, the day following the mayor’s public 
announcement, drew a significant crowd and resulted in a modified draft of the regulations. The most 
notable changes included: 

1. The “certifiable” kitchen requirement was relaxed. Food could be prepared in any kitchen, as long 
as an individual was willing to attest that it had a stove, a sink with hot and cold water, and proper 



refrigeration, and that it was vermin free and sanitized. These standards would be allowable if the 
food was served within four hours of being prepared and kept at a proper temperature in the 
meantime. 

2. The length of the safe food handling classes was decreased from four hours to two hours. 
3. Menus no longer had to include specific details, just a designation of “hot” or “cold” items. 
4. The specificity of the distribution location was expanded. For example, the location could be 

expressed as an intersection with an assumption of a ten-block radius surrounding it. All sites were 
subject to unannounced inspections (City of Philadelphia Department of Public Health 2012b). 

At its March 22 meeting, despite interruptions from protestors, the Board approved the amended 
version. (See Appendix for complete regulation.) Since that meeting, the regulations have been caught 
in the bureaucratic process required for implementation, including passing through the Law and 
Records Departments. The city Parks and Recreation Department filed papers May 21 that would put 
the city park ban in effect June 1. Rumbles continue to be felt in City Council where a councilwoman is 
still fighting the mayor’s actions and calling for public hearings (Dunn 2012, MacDonald 2012, 
Newsworks 2012). Additionally, a Philadelphia civil rights law firm is considering a lawsuit and the city 
has "received notice of intent to sue” (Thompson 2012). In the meantime, though, the City Hall apron 
opened on May 1, with “hand-washing stations, security and trash pickup, for those who want to bring 
meals to feed the hungry,” and has already been used several times (MacDonald 2012). 
 
Enforcement of the new regulations has implications for two groups: those with permits and those 
without. Those with permits are subject to unannounced inspections but will not face actual fines until 
health code violations have been found multiple times and their permit is being revoked for a second 
time. Those without permits will not be fined until their third citation. Fines will be minimal at $150. 
Mayor Nutter expressed hope that those who care about the homeless and hungry would work in “a 
spirit of peace and of cooperation and of love and of humanity” that would not raise a lot of 
enforcement issues (Moss-Coane 2012). 
 

The Issues 
The impetus behind the new regulations and the responses from the public have exposed a number of 
significant issues. At this point it would be easy to step back and conclude that none of this is really 
about food – that it is actually a public policy issue that happens to involve food. But to reduce the 
complexities of this situation to such a simple conclusion is to ignore the fact that every part of it 
defines and impinges on the foodways of the homeless. By definition, “foodways refers to the network 
of behaviors, traditions, and beliefs concerning food, and involves all the activities surrounding a food 
item and its consumption, including the procurement, preservation, preparation, presentation, and 
performance of that food” (Long 2004:8). Each entity, each policy, each action influences who will be 
fed, what they will eat, where they will consume it, and how they will perceive it. With this 
understanding the following issues become significant in considering the foodways of the homeless. 
 



Responding to the phenomenon of homelessness—The factors which give rise to and perpetuate 
homelessness are extremely complex and intertwined. Anyone who portrays homelessness as a simple 
problem with straightforward solutions has probably not studied it in much depth. Those who grapple 
with its realities recognize that conflicting philosophical understandings produce differing approaches. 
Homelessness is viewed either as a societal ill which can be eventually remedied and eradicated or as a 
problem which will always exist. For instance, Project H.O.M.E. optimistically claims to “have 
developed nationally recognized programs that have proven that homelessness can be solved,” and 
works to remedy the “root causes of homelessness by helping to rebuild low-income neighborhoods and 
by engaging in political advocacy to bring about positive public policies for low-income and homeless 
persons” (Project H.O.M.E. 2012). Organizations’ philosophies regarding homelessness influence their 
strategies, demonstrating differences in purposes, degree of passivity, assignment of societal 
responsibility, and expectations of government, non-profits, and the homeless themselves. 
 
Irresponsible activism and journalism—As with any other headlining story, community activists and 
journalists framed the issues and events in ways that best served their purposes. From the first draft of 
the Board of Health’s regulation, there were provisions for outdoor food distribution to continue, but 
with increased accountability. Yet, many of the headlines flashed around the country via television, 
print media, and blogs made confusing proclamations like “Philly mayor seeks ban to feeding homeless 
outside,” and “Philadelphia decides to stop outdoor feeding of homeless” (McHenry 2012). 
Misrepresentations of the facts abounded, as did inflammatory statements. One Occupy Philly protester 
even carried a placard that read, “Nutter HATE$ the HOMELESS” (Occupy Philly 2012). These actions 
served to misinform the public and to fuel the controversy. 
 
Distrust of government—In Anna Lappé’s article, “Who Says Food Is a Human Right?” she asserts that 
U.S. citizens “see human rights as ‘negative’ rights—rights against government” (2011). She adds, 
“While human rights to health, education, social security or food are guaranteed to a certain extent 
through legislation, they are still seen as suspect. Indeed the protective role of government is 
denounced as paternalistic and even…as paving the way for totalitarianism” (Lappé 2011). Much of 
what the Nutter administration has done has been seen as suspect. The mayor has been accused of 
proceeding in an undemocratic manner, although all stipulations of the Home Rule Charter have been 
followed. In trying to protect some of its most vulnerable citizens, he received criticism for taking 
away their rights. Charges of discrimination against the homeless have also been leveled. 
 
The most glaring and most difficult to reconcile have been accusations focused on the timing of the 
new restrictions to coincide with the opening of the new Barnes Foundation along the Benjamin 
Franklin Parkway. According to the mayor, plans for the new regulations had been in the works for a 
number of years but could not be implemented until now when the necessary provisions for caring for 
the homeless were finally in place. However, nothing the mayor said convinced his critics that 
removing the homeless from view was not a primary consideration. Those who planned to defy the ban 
cited this as their justification in doing so: "We are not moving. We are totally against the legislation. It 
is clear this is not about a health issue. It is about getting the homeless people off the Parkway" 



(Mathew 2012). Whether or not there is any basis of truth in these accusations, the reality is that 
Philadelphia is only one of a number of U.S. cities which have taken measures to restrict the outdoor 
distribution of food (Infowars 2012). Most of these cities have cited health concerns as their primary 
motivation. 
 
If opponents are looking for a reason to be suspicious of the city’s timing and motivation, there is 
another correlation, one that seems largely unnoticed. Although Occupy Philly rallied behind the plight 
of the city’s homeless, it might have actually contributed to the enactment of the regulations which 
will now limit food access. During the Fall 2011 Occupy Philly encampment, poor sanitation became 
such an issue that the city eventually evacuated the area and thoroughly cleaned it. The City’s Health 
Board realized during its dealings with Occupy Philly that it had no authority to ensure the safety of 
food being passed out there (Beeler 2012). With the warm weather returning and the possibility of the 
protest movement reigniting, the timing and intention of these regulations in March 2012 could easily 
be seen as targeting the freedoms of protestors. 
 
Human Rights—This conflict was framed by many in terms of social justice. The violations of various 
human rights were cited in protest of the regulations. Individuals have a right to food, a right to 
access, a right to clean food, a right to nutritious food, a right to safety, and a right to practice their 
religious convictions, among others. The first question should be whether or not anyone’s rights are 
actually being overlooked or violated. But an even trickier second question concerns what should be 
done when an individual’s rights seem to be in conflict with those of another. Which is more 
important—a right to access or a right to safety? Should a person’s right to freely practice his religious 
convictions supercede a homeless person’s right to safe food? And who gets to decide? 
 
Double Standards—Mayor Nutter argued that the health code should provide the same protections to 
the homeless as to other citizens. Those who can afford to purchase their food, whether from a 
supermarket, a restaurant, or a sidewalk food cart, do so with the assurance that the Board of Health 
has inspected it and has deemed it safe. But some of those who provide food to the homeless do not 
want these extra regulations to apply to their efforts and/or see no need for them. An unnamed visitor 
to the Board of Health public hearing actually had either the ignorance or audacity to comment, “The 
food is safe because it is based on caring and love and helping people. Regulation is only needed where 
there is a profit motive because they will cut corners to make money” (City of Philadelphia Department 
of Public Heath 2012e). This person was not taking into account how compromised the immune systems 
of the homeless are, how many cases of food poisoning result from family picnics (food made by loving 
hands), or how most people respond to discovering dried food on their restaurant silverware, a hair in 
their soup, or unwashed employee hands (all relatively minor infractions). An additional double 
standard is apparent in the issue of access: people believe the homeless and their benefactors should 
have free access to all parts of the city, yet the city constantly faces neighborhood rejection of 
proposed homeless shelters. Human Dignity—Much of what the mayor and other proponents said was 
framed as an issue of dignity. But what is “dignity” and how is it fostered and measured? In a revealing 
statement, Mayor Nutter recounted, “As a black man it is painful, personally painful to me, to walk 



[or] drive on the Parkway, or other areas, and see hundreds of people, many of whom are also African 
American males, standing in 90 some degree heat, 20 degree cold, in the rain, standing around in long 
lines, just trying to get a sandwich” (Moss-Coane 2012). Clearly, for him human dignity is coupled with 
the physical discomfort someone has to face. “We can do better” has become almost a mantra. For him 
dignity is exemplified when people are served indoors in an orderly, safe, and healthy manner and the 
social services they need are provided. 
 
For Rev. Bill Golderer (of Broad Street Ministries), dignity is defined by a “dining experience” that is 
provided indoors, where “people are reminded that they are fully human and that they’re deserving of 
the experience of flourishing—eating in the company of others and being welcomed as friends.” He 
emphasizes the concepts of hospitality, “being known,” and “belonging somewhere and to someone” 
(Moss-Coane 2012). Alternatively, Adam Bruckner, of Philly Restart, equates dignity with freedom of 
choice. “We believe that dignity comes through a choice, not by telling somebody where they have to 
go” (Moss-Coane 2012). He cites the Muslim homeless population he interacts with and their conviction 
that they should not have to go to facilities which are unequivocally Christian; there are other 
homeless who simply do not want to go inside. Like other benefactors, Bruckner also describes the 
relationships that develop among those who serve and those who are served, saying, “We know their 
names and about their lives….We are their family” (Moss-Coane 2012). 
 
“Bill, from Villanova,” who called in during WHYY’s radio program, provided another perspective on 
dignity: “I am many years removed from being on the street and being hungry. But I know this in my 
heart: I [would] find somewhere dry to stand; I [would] find somewhere to lay; but I [wouldn’t] always 
find something to eat. And after you’ve eaten out of a dumpster, dignity is really, really not a 
concern….Any time somebody can get a decent meal, can get a sandwich, can get a bite to eat, to stop 
that screaming in their stomach, it is wonderful” (Moss-Coane 2012). Later in the program, Bruckner 
added, “The dignity thing—how can you measure something like that?” (Moss-Coane 2012). It does seem 
that there are as many versions of “dignity” as there are concerned activists. What is the evidence of 
“dignity”? Can it only be defined in the negative, as in not standing in long lines or not in the weather? 
Is it not digging through a dumpster for food? Is it not having to do something you prefer not to do? Or 
is it the presence of something elusive, such as “belonging” or “family” or “order”? Does dignity come 
when one’s needs have been met? Is it a byproduct of successful overcoming—which is realized only 
when a person is no longer homeless? For each individual the answers to these questions will vary. 
“Dignity” is easy to aspire to on behalf of someone, but difficult to provide. 
 

Who Can Speak for the Homeless? 
There are clearly no straightforward answers for meeting the needs of the homeless. Although they are 
usually spoken of collectively, each individual has his or her own circumstances, needs, and desires 
which must be taken into account. Given all the complexities outlined thus far, it is challenging to 
determine who is most knowledgeable and best qualified to speak on their behalf. Everyone involved in 
the cause has good intentions and honestly believes that they are acting in the best interests of the 
homeless. But the homeless themselves are vulnerable and wield little agency. They can easily become 



pawns among dominant groups jockeying for control. Decisions made on their behalf are often 
determined by whoever speaks most loudly. Therefore caution must be exercised when listening to the 
multiple voices. The following is a brief exploration of the potential voices and their contributions or 
limitations in the conversation: 
 
The homeless themselves—An obvious observation is that the homeless surely know their needs better 
than anyone else. On the surface this is true—but only if the discussion is centered on the needs of an 
individual or small groups of people. Of course their input is valuable. Those who are immersed in the 
system can offer opinions about questions concerning what would make them more likely to seek 
shelter, what would improve the food offered at shelters, and other such personal topics. But most 
would have a limited view of the larger picture, the systemic perspective. At the risk of sounding 
paternalistic, it is also important to point out that many homeless individuals are influenced by 
whoever is currently helping them. Some are easily swayed to join whatever cause their benefactors 
represent. For example, a homeless person who has just received a meal and been befriended by an 
Occupy Philly group may be more likely to believe a placard which proclaims that “Nutter hates the 
homeless.” If the homeless are to be consulted in a way that holds the most potential for serving a 
significant portion of the population, it will be important to reach those who have come up through the 
system and are the “success” stories. Their insights about what did or did not effectively help them in 
their own journey would be particularly useful. 
 
Bloggers—The controversy over where and how the homeless should be fed launched scores of blog 
posts. Some were written by people with some firsthand experiences working with the city’s homeless. 
Others responded to what they heard or read, never having left the comfort of their homes. Internet 
communications are easily accessed; incorrect or incomplete information, as well as deliberate 
distortions, are often validated and perpetuated. A case in point is an activist from southeast PA who 
reported that Mayor Nutter had been unanimously censured by the City Council for his actions (King’s 
Jubilee 2012). No record of such a development could be verified. 
 
Poverty Tourists—This is a harsh label, but some well-meaning people deserve the moniker. These are 
the folks who, through a church or civic group, or as individuals, make an occasional trek down to 
Center City to pass out food. They do so sacrificially, and with good intentions. They come away 
feeling good, feeling solidarity with the poor and suffering. But this is a self-focused, self-gratifying 
model of generosity. This Good Samaritan has no concept of the larger, complex picture which each 
person embodies. Yet he or she comes away with an illusory “expertise” on the plight and needs of the 
homeless. 
 
Protestors—Many of the same limitations of bloggers and poverty tourists apply also to protestors. 
Groups like Occupy Philly may spend more time on site, spanning even days or weeks, and start to 
develop relationships with the homeless of that area. But they can leave at their own convenience. 
Without long-term commitments and regular visits to continue to share food, they run the risk of being 
yet another self-gratified tourist who forms bonds with the homeless and then disappears from their 



lives. Like the bloggers and poverty tourists, they are quick to share the insights and expertise they 
gained from their sojourn. 
 
Regular Distributors—Some groups and individuals commit themselves and make weekly or biweekly 
trips down to distribute meals, some even for decades. They usually focus on a particular location 
where the homeless congregate and see many of the same faces on a regular basis. Relationships do 
form, and they get to know the stories of those they are serving. Often their work includes a focus that 
transcends simply sharing food; they attempt to help move the people they serve toward social services 
which will be helpful in the long run. This is not to question the significance of what they do; their 
sacrifices are to be applauded. However, in some ways the sense of connection they experience, that 
they describe as feeling like “family,” is also a bit of an illusion. Even if they are present for one 
evening a week, there are six other evenings, as well as daytimes, when they are not. The mutuality of 
the relationships could also be questioned. However, even with all the limitations, this category of 
voices most certainly has insights about the needs of the homeless. They could speak most articulately, 
authoritatively, and passionately about the particular group(s) with whom they have worked. However, 
a challenge might come in knowing how much their observations could be generalized to the homeless 
population as a whole. 
 
Immersed Advocates—A select number of homeless advocates have made this their life’s work. They 
live near and serve the homeless and indigent 24/7. One example of this type of champion is Sister 
Mary Scullion, aptly nicknamed Philadelphia’s “Mother Theresa.” Scullion has spent more than 30 years 
nurturing and feeding the homeless. The organization she co-founded, Project H.O.M.E. (an acronym 
for Housing, Opportunities for Employment, Medical Care, and Education), has been instrumental in 
dramatically reducing the city’s homeless population, in part by creating affordable housing units. 
According to one account, “Of the homeless people participating in its programs, 95 percent have not 
returned to the streets, and it is widely credited for having reduced Philadelphia’s homeless population 
by half” (Garvey 2012). Project H.O.M.E. has become a prototype for other urban programs. When 
advocates like Sister Mary Scullion speak, others listen. 
 
The Government—The city does not have the option of not speaking for the homeless. All levels of 
government carry responsibility for the homeless, just as they do for all citizens. Not only does 
government need to protect and provide for the immediate needs of the homeless, it also is 
responsible for many of the social services which help to improve their long-term prospects. If the city 
can connect with the homeless, there are federal, state, and municipal programs which provide food – 
such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps) and WIC (Women, Infants and 
Children supplemental food program). Assistance is also available for addictions, mental health issues, 
and medical needs. That said, the city is not responsible only for the homeless segment but for the 
entire population. Governments constantly perform a balancing act, weighing and prioritizing the 
needs of the many and the few. Even if it were so inclined, the city could not legislate completely in 
favor of the interests of the homeless and ignore the effects of economic development and tourism on 
the rest of the population. A reality is that visitors to the city also benefit the homeless by bringing in 



revenue which can, in turn, be used to provide municipal services to those who need them (Inquirer 
Editorial Board 2012). So, the government will continue to speak and act on behalf of the homeless, 
but this will always be tempered by its responsibilities toward the rest of its citizenry. 
 

Toward a Sustainable Model of Feeding the Homeless of Philadelphia 
The first question which must be considered when developing a strategy for a sustainable model is this: 
what is going to be sustained? All solutions are predicated on the way in which this question is 
addressed. One goal might be simply to sustain the physical bodies of the homeless, ensuring sufficient 
calories for their survival. A variation could expand this to include uncontaminated food, while another 
variation could extend into the arena of nutritious food. An additional aim might be to sustain the 
rights of the homeless to make choices, to determine their own lifeways, independent of interference 
from government or other outsiders, even if this perpetuates hunger and homelessness. Yet another 
focus could be on sustaining the activists’ rights to follow their individual consciences and convictions, 
no matter how this impacts the safety or sustainability of the homeless. Or a comprehensive approach 
to sustainability could acknowledge elements of all of the previously stated priorities, but view them as 
parts of an overall strategy that would work to sustain a process. This process would move the 
homeless along a trajectory toward mainstreamed independence. 
 
No matter what the motivation was for the mayor’s new regulations, and no matter how individuals 
and organizations feel about the actual regulations, the reality is that everyone who cares about the 
homeless now has an excuse for conversations to take place. Everyone needs to lay down their 
emotional responses and worst case scenarios: “You now need a permit to do a good deed!” (Beeler 
2012); “The mayor hates the homeless!” (Occupy Philly 2012); “Providing food to those who are hungry 
must not be about opening the car trunk, handing out a bunch of sandwiches and then driving off into a 
dark and rainy night” (City of Philadelphia 2012); “Taking outdoor meals away from the homeless is a 
bad idea!” (Lucey and Brennan 2012); “Would it be sanitary, would it give dignity to have homeless 
people eat out of trash cans and dumpsters?” (Mayes 2012); “The ordinance…will inspire violence and 
aggressive panhandling!” (Lucey and Brennan 2012). In order to move forward constructively, power 
struggles and mistrust must be surrendered in favor of collaboration and good will. An opportunity has 
been presented, and should not be squandered away by reluctance to cooperate. The conversation has 
been launched. All concerned parties should participate in the dialogue and search for creative 
solutions to the problems in their midst. 
 
It would be presumptuous for me, as a graduate student who has conducted only limited research, to 
claim enough comprehension of the complexities of this situation to propose a model for feeding 
Philadelphia’s homeless population. However, sometimes naiveté and idealism allow individuals with 
fresh eyes to see paradigms that those who are enmeshed in a problem may not notice. Furthermore, 
this idealistic grad student is joined by some long-term stakeholders who also indicate a measure of 
optimism about this juncture. Rev. Bill Golderer of Broad Street Ministries challenged Philadelphians to 
step up and address this problem “with the same creativity that we’ve addressed some of the other 
things that we’ve wanted to bring forward as a city, that make us a world class city. How we address 



this problem is going to be defining for who we are as Philadelphians.” He added, “But we can’t wait 
for government to do this. In the same way that we’ve built stadiums and we’ve built museums, we 
need to see the corporate community, the funding community, private citizens step up to enable the 
society we want to see” (Moss-Coane 2012). The key to a sustainable model is greater collaboration—
among sectors and within them. 
 
One of the mayor’s primary goals is to help the homeless to gain greater access to various social 
services, and he plans to use food distribution toward that end. Whether viewed as manipulative or as 
wise, his motivation is to “help them get on the right track toward independent, healthy living” (City 
of Philadelphia 2012). To this end, he appointed a task force of stakeholders whose mandate is to 
develop a strategy to transition outdoor food serving to indoor locations and to consider the impact of 
this change on the homeless. The stakeholders will include representatives of current outdoor and 
indoor food service providers, anti-hunger advocates, and members of the city administration (Moss-
Coane 2012). It should also include some persons who have experienced homelessness (Project 
H.O.M.E. 2012). Unfortunately, even the task force is a source of contention due in part to the politics 
of selection, inclusion, and exclusion. However, for this idealized scenario it is assumed that the task 
force somehow will manage to unite to perform a catalytic role. This group (or a private group with a 
similar vision) could implement the following potential scenario: 
 
Establish daily meals in a consistent location--Predictability and consistency seem to be elusive for the 
homeless. While individual groups have regular schedules for bringing food downtown, there does not 
seem to be an overall strategy that ensures consistent availability of meals. Since the City has offered 
the use of the apron at City Hall for up to a year, all organizations serving outdoor meals in that area 
might voluntarily move their distribution to the apron. Schedules could be coordinated so that there is 
no overlap. If there are not enough groups to cover all seven days of the week, a consistent schedule 
could be developed so that the homeless know what to expect. No matter what, communication must 
be as clear and complete as possible. 
 
Continue networking outdoor and indoor providers—The mayor has already begun to link interested 
groups. Some indoor providers are not operating at capacity, due either to shortages of resources or of 
personnel, and should be able to expand the services they offer if partnerships could develop. For 
instance, Broad Street Ministries recently invested substantial funding in a commercial kitchen but only 
has enough other resources to serve meals twice weekly. 
 
Link resources with groups who need them—The mayor has also actively worked at identifying churches 
and other organizations in the downtown area that have kitchens and/or facilities that would be 
available to groups who need locations for cooking or serving meals. 
 
Link volunteers with existing providers—Critics have voiced concerns that a segment of people who 
want to help will be closed out of a regulated system. One such example is the idea of a church youth 
group who wants to “take pizzas to homeless folks in a park” (Claiborne 2012). While providing pizzas 



to the homeless on the apron of City Hall or in a food center would not have the same aesthetic, 
partnership with an existing organization would still allow citizens to demonstrate their concern for the 
less fortunate. Charity offered in this less picturesque setting might also place more of the focus on 
those being served than on the emotional experiences of the servers. A well-designed and well-
publicized website could provide information to groups about how to get involved. 
 
Use existing routines and relationships to ease the transition indoors—Establishing consistent mealtimes 
and locations paves the way for the move indoors. If the homeless know that the relationships they’ve 
established with servers, the regular mealtimes, and the quality of food offered them will follow them 
(or lead them) as they are encouraged to move indoors, the likelihood of their compliance is increased. 
This minimizes the number of simultaneous changes represented by a move. 
 
Solicit funding from additional types of sources—A coordinated strategy that can actually have a serious 
impact on the city’s homeless population increases the likelihood of investment by corporations, 
communities of faith, civic organizations, and private citizens. If people feel that they are just putting 
a bandage on a gaping wound, motivation to give is low. However, when a vision of real 
transformation—a cure—is placed before them, people may rally to a cause in ways they would not 
have considered otherwise. Capitalize on existing expertise—Even as the lines between organizations 
become more blurred through collaboration, each organization should be encouraged to continue doing 
those things which they do best. For instance, organizations with years of experience serving indoors 
could resource groups that are transitioning and using unfamiliar facilities. A group like Chosen 300 
Ministries, which is already an alliance of churches and individuals with a substantial network of 
volunteers, could use its organizational capabilities to coordinate an entire network of providers. 
Groups like Philly Restart should be encouraged to continue their efforts to help the homeless secure 
government-issued ID’s. Organizations like Project H.O.M.E. have years of experience to offer those 
who want to learn more about helping the homeless gain more independence. 
 
Maintain some first responders—The mayor’s ideal of serving everyone indoors is probably not realistic. 
Even with the best planning and implementation, there will be sporadic newcomers to the streets and 
resistors. Therefore, some outdoor distribution of food will likely always be needed. The goal, 
however, will be for these services to point toward the next step of moving inside. The challenge is to 
conduct outdoor distributions in a way that does not lure those who are already indoors back outside. 
As far as the resistors are concerned, no one can be forced to go inside; a contingency plan for this 
population will have to be developed. 
 

Conclusion 
The causes of homelessness, and its remediation, remain complex issues. Many people have worked 
tirelessly and significant numbers of homeless have seen improvement in their circumstances. But 
Mayor Nutter is justified in asserting that Philadelphia can do better, and that there is no good reason 
that anyone in the city should go hungry. No formula will assure success but an informed, mobilized, 
caring citizenry can affect change in ways that are yet unimagined. Recent policy changes have 



surfaced issues hidden from the sight of most Philadelphians. This juncture will serve to divide or to 
unite. In the words of Rev. Golderer, “I think for a long time as Philadelphians we would have a low 
opinion of ourselves. But now, recently, we have built stadiums, we built the Kimmel Center. We are 
capable of doing things that we didn’t think we were capable of” (Moss-Coane 2012). The time to rally 
and to collaborate has come. 
 

Appendix 
Regulation of the Board of Health Concerning: Outdoor Public Serving of Food: Food Safety 
 
Whereas, access to food is an important determinant of health; and Whereas, food insecurity is a 
problem for many Philadelphians; and Whereas, groups and individuals provide food in outdoor settings 
for those who are hungry; and Whereas, the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter and The Philadelphia Code 
charge the Department of Public Health with the protection of the public’s health through the 
administration and enforcement of statutes, ordinances and regulations relating to public health 
including those dealing with food; and Whereas, the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter charges the Board 
of Health with development of a comprehensive Health Code with the purpose of preserving and 
promoting the health of the people of Philadelphia through the development of reasonable regulations; 
and Whereas, food safety is a critical component of public health, a regulation to insure the safety of 
food provided through outdoor public serving of food is a matter of the public’s health; and Whereas, 
the Board of Health is concerned with reducing health inequities. 
 
SECTION 1. No person, group, or organization shall engage in Outdoor Public Serving of Food, except as 
provided in Sections 2 and 3. For purposes of this regulation, “Outdoor Public Serving of Food” means 
the distribution of food free of charge to members of the public, in groups of three or more people, on 
any public highway, on any public sidewalk, or in any outdoor public place; except that “Outdoor 
Public Serving of Food” shall not include the distribution of food as part of a special event recognized 
by the Managing Director’s Office pursuant to the Mayor’s Special Event Policy (Executive Order 6-93) 
or a permit of the Department of Parks and Recreation; a special event sponsored by a City agency; the 
distribution of pre-packaged food as part of a time-limited promotional campaign by a commercial 
entity; or an unplanned, non-recurring distribution of food. 
 
SECTION 2. Any person, group, or organization engaging in outdoor public serving of food is required to 
obtain an annual Outdoor Public Serving of Food: Food Safety Permit in advance from the Department 
of Public Health. The Department shall issue a permit to any person, group, or organization who 
submits all of the following on a form acceptable to the Department: 
 
(a) The name, address, phone number and (if available) e-mail address of the applicant and a contact 
person. 
 
(b) The location (identified as any location within a ten-block radius of a designated intersection) and 
the usual day(s) and time(s) at which the applicant will distribute food to the public. Issuance of the 



permit shall not constitute approval of the location by the Department. A person, group or organization 
that routinely provides food in a radius greater than ten blocks shall so note on the application and 
must make special arrangements with the Department in order to facilitate inspections by the 
Department. 
 
(c) The type of food items to be distributed (hot or cold) and whether the food will be served within 
four hours of preparation. 
 
(d) A certification that all food service and distribution will be exempt from preparation in an approved 
kitchen facility, pursuant to Section 3(d)(.2), below; or the name and address of an approved facility 
where the food will be prepared. A facility shall be considered approved if it has been determined by 
the Department to be in compliance with Sections 46.501 to 46.731 of the Department’s Regulations 
Governing Food Establishments or has been determined by another county’s public health officials to 
be in compliance with comparable food safety regulations. 
 

SECTION 3. No person, group or organization shall engage in outdoor public serving of food unless: 
 
(a) The person, group or organization responsible for the operation posts prominently at the food 
service site during all hours of operation an Outdoor Public Serving of Food: Food Safety Permit 
provided by the Department. The permit shall set forth Department contact information for patrons to 
report potential food-borne illness and/or concern about food safety. 
 
(b) The food service activity takes place at a day, time and place identified pursuant to Section 2(b) 
above. 
 
(c) Food distribution is limited to the types of food identified pursuant to Section 2(c) above. 
 
(d) All food either: 
 
(.1) Is prepared at the facility identified pursuant to Section 2(d) above and such facility retains its 
Public Health approval; or 
 
(.2) Is prepared in accordance with the requirements of subsection (A) below, in a kitchen that meets 
or contains all of the requirements set forth in subsection (B) below: 
 
(A) Food that is not prepared in a facility approved pursuant to Section 2(d) must be fully prepared no 
more than four hours prior to service or distribution. Any food items which are pre-prepared more than 
four hours in advance, for example marinated foods, are not allowed due to the potential for growth of 
microorganisms which can lead to food-borne illness. 
 
(B) Private kitchen requirements: 



 
(.1) Hot and cold running water in the kitchen and bathrooms with soap and single service towels. 
 
(.2) Refrigeration unit maintaining maximum temperature of 41o F. Freezer unit maintaining maximum 
temperature of 0o F. 
 
(.3) Vermin free building. 
 
(.4) An open top container large enough for immersing food service articles for sanitization. 
 
(.5) Approved sanitizer (chlorine bleach). 
 
(.6) Stove/oven/range in clean and good working condition for cooking. 
 
(.7) Stem thermometer to measure food temperature during cooking and transport. 
 
(.8) Washable, insulated food containers for transportation of the food. 
 
(.9) At least a one-compartment kitchen sink. 
 
(e) A person who has completed the Department’s Outdoor Public Service of Food: Food Safety Course, 
or an equivalent course approved by the Department, is on site during the entirety of any food service. 
 
(f) No person involved in the preparation, serving or distribution of food engages in any bare hand 
contact with any ready-to-eat food. 
 
(g) Temporary hand washing is available at the food service site, except that, where only pre-packaged 
food is handled or distributed, hand wipes or hand sanitizer shall be sufficient. 
 
(h) All persons involved in the preparation, serving or distribution of food properly wash their hands 
prior to food handling and between glove changes. 
 
(i) All foods are completely protected from contamination during transportation, preparation, display, 
and service. 
 
(j) All food is transported and served at the proper temperature. 
 
This regulation shall be effective upon declaration by the Health Commissioner, posted on the 
Department’s website, that the necessary training classes and approval processes have been available 
for a reasonably sufficient time to allow compliance. 



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