West Palm Beach requires permit for Food Not Bombs

Food Not Bombs Continues to Feed Homeless Despite Ordinance Mandating Permit

West Palm Beach has recently implemented an ordinance which requires a permit for large group feeding events during which violation could lead to a group member receiving a $500 fine and/or a 60-day jail sentence. This ordinance has attracted controversy from members of Food Not Bombs, a worldwide organization seeking to share food with the poor and hungry in protest of war, poverty and destruction of the environment. For the past 16 years, the group has consistently served free meals to the homeless in downtown West Palm Beach.

Spokeswoman Carl Prinzio has rejected the new mandate by calling attention to its attack on freedom of expression. Prinzio believes that the ordinance is not only “just straight-up awful” but also looks like an unnecessary utilization of resources by law enforcement. Instead, Prinzio suggests that the City Council should be tackling the true issues that lead to hunger, such as food insecurity and the lack of affordable housing.

Despite the City Council’s decision, Food Not Bombs is not swayed in its mission and has vowed to continue its free meal services. The group is willing to face legal consequences if this ordinance is taken to court. For Prinzio and Food Not Bombs, sharing food with the needy is fundamental to their shared vision of a world that is just, peaceful, and equitable.

The group sees it as an essential and consistent part of their mission to serve food to the homeless amidst rain or shine. Prinzio added that the organization is predictable and consistent, which makes them a reliable place for the homeless to receive the necessary support.

WPTV has reached out to West Palm Beach authorities for a response, but no comment has been provided so far. The new regulation has seemingly backfired as it does not discourage Food Not Bombs from continuing with its necessary services. Their activism has brought them to the forefront of the fight against the lack of food equity and other environment-related causes, which is fast becoming a worldwide concern.