Modesto Neighbors: Trucks Handing Out Food Contributing To Litter At Parks
MODESTO (CBS13) - Modesto city leaders say they're getting complaints about the trucks that hand out free food to those in need because of the mess left behind.
On weekday mornings, United Samaritan volunteers package fresh food to drive it into Stanislaus County neighborhoods.
"We go to the places where the people are in need," said United Samaritan Interim Executive Director Beverly Hatcher.
In Modesto the truck stops in parks. A spokesperson for United Samaritan says the majority of the people it gives free food to are not homeless, but the working poor.
"I'm not homeless, but sometimes I don't have lunch. Being pregnant and having my daughter, I can't tell her she can't have something to eat," said one mother.
"A lot of times, this is the only meal they have," said Kenny, who receives the food.
And while recipients appreciate it, in the past year the city's parks and recreation manager says the number one complaint from citizens into the city is about the free food offered in the parks.
The homeowners against feeding the homeless in the parks say the problem is what is left after everyone leaves: litter from the food that was passed out. In several valley cities, many governments are considering banning food delivery to parks.
"I would hope the city would look at the unintended consequences from outright banning it. I think they need to control it in some manner," said Hatcher.
Modesto's parks and recreation manager says the city does not want and outright ban on free meals in the parks. Instead the city is considering a group-use permit to deliver food to the parks, forcing those who bring food in to pay for trash removal. United Samaritan says they are open to the compromise.
"I think it's difficult for a mother with two toddlers to try to go someplace, or a disabled person on a scooter to go very far," said Hatcher.
United Samaritan says it would rather go the extra mile, so those in need don't have to.
Leaders from Modesto parks and recreation will host a meeting on September 23 with neighbors and food service providers to discuss new park ordinance proposals.
