Mother Threatened With Fines For Feeding Hungry Children

by Lorri Anderson

According to Fox News, Angela Prattis, a 41 year old Pennsylvania mother of four, took it upon herself to help the disadvantaged children in her neighborhood. During the summer Prattis turned her driveway into a make shift dining room for children, and has helped feed as many as 20 hungry children in a day, supplying them with a good nutritional meal.

On July 31, 2012, Councilman William Kennard showed up at the neighborhood civic association meeting, telling them that Prattis’ free lunch program was unlawful. At the town council meeting held on August 2, 2012, the elected officials voted to levy a $600.00 a day fine for each day Angela Prattis fed the children. Due to the community putting pressure on the council local leaders agreed to let Prattis finish her mission this summer, but told her she would need a zoning variance to resume her operation next summer.

Prattis continued to serve the meals to the disadvantaged youth and no fine was levied. Although, on August 10, 2012 Angela Prattis received a letter from the township saying she could serve children until August 24, 2012, but she must apply for a variance next year. The cost of the variance is $1000.00 to apply, and there is no guarantee the council will accept it.

Prattis told Fox News “I am going to continue to feed the children, I am doing this for the children, and I don’t want a big fight”. Prattis added “What’s in my heart?” she asked “I feel like they could be focusing on a lot of other serious issues that are taking place in my neighborhood, instead of something I think is very positive and keeping our kids on the right side of the law.”

With so many people being affected by the economy these days, many have to rely on food stamps, welfare, and community involvement. Why on earth would anyone speak out or even try to stop someone from doing the right thing? Seems to me that the council (just like our government) is money hungry. That is just my opinion.

About Lorri Anderson