NJ Bill Would Allow Food At Funeral Homes, Some Find The Suggestion Less Than Appetizing
WEST NEW YORK, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Since 1960, there has been a ban on serving food in funeral homes in New Jersey.
As CBS2's Steve Langford reported, there could be a change on the legislative menu.
Food in the funeral home is a concept that at first struck even the lawmaker sponsoring a bill in support of it as unappetizing.
"I was like 'ah, I don't know," Nancy Pinkin (D), said.
Since 1960, it has been against the law to serve any kind of food inside a funeral home in New Jersey, because of public health perceptions. It's something that Pinkin is now open to changing.
"You're not having the individual laid out where you're doing the embalming in the first place," she said.
Funeral home director Anthony Vainieri is cautiously open to the idea of a food service at a funeral service.
"It's not disgusting, it would have to be sanitized, and the local health codes and stuff like that," he said.
On the streets of West New York, there was a certain distaste for the proposal.
"Uh, I don't think they should be allowed to serve food. It's a time for people to mourn, not to eat and celebrate," Samantha Santana said.
"It's not respectful to be eating inside of a funeral house," Cecelia DeLarosa added.
Supporters suggested modest comfort food like coffee, cookies, and sandwiches.
Last month, the state of New York dropped its ban on food at funeral homes.