You cannot travel to a single city in the US without finding a bake sale. They are held by churches, schools and charity groups- they are all unregulated and the food inspectors do not monitor these events. Potlucks are held at churches and other social events- many held outdoors on public property, and unregulated. I’ve seen people serve food at concerts (phish and dead shows)- with not a single inspector in sight to issue violations against food that was cooked on top of someone’s automobile engine as they drove in for the show.

I have never understood why there were so many limitations placed on those who are attempting to help others in need, yet none are placed on those private groups seeking to make a profit on food to benefit an organization. There is no difference between serving food to the homeless in a public venue and a church bake sale- other than the transfer of money.

but this argument that “poor” people should get the same “protection” from the state (ie- when sharing meals with FNB) that rich folks get(ie- people who pay for their prepared food)is just distracting. first- FNB is a SHARED MEAL in the park, on the street, etc… it is not a restaurant or a charity. it’s also a distraction b/c the notion is based on the misconception that the state is here to protect the poor, the hungry, the homeless. look around you. the state is here to protect the wealthy. in a liberal capitalist society like ours you can only buy your freedom and your “rights”, and if you can’t afford them, then you don’t get them. the state is here to protect private property and the lives of the rich and wealthy. the state is most certainly not here to “protect” the rest of us. and from whom anyways, ourselves? we can’t even feed ourselves? jesus. wake up. get angry.