by katya gordeeva
Member since:
October 26, 2011

Lunch Lady Could be Fined for Giving Free Lunches to Poor Kids

August 18, 2012 06:00 PM UTC
16 people recommend this | comments: 20

Lunch lady Angela Prattis has been kind enough to give away free lunches to poor children in her Pennsylvania neighborhood this past summer. But instead of being commended for her generosity, she faces a fine of $600 for violating zoning laws. She also faces a fee of $1,000 if she continues to feed the children in her neighborhood. Now that's just shameful.

Prattis "was told that she needed a township zoning permit to continue to give out free lunches outside her home," which would cost her $1,000. Yep, you read that correctly. Even though this woman has been generous enough to feed hungry children, they expect her to pay a fee to continue doing it. There's something definitely wrong with this picture.

In addition to being a lunch lady and youth pastor, Prattis is a trained volunteer with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's Nutritional Development Services, which supplies the food she gives away. Although the people in her community offered to pay the $1,000 fee, she has not taken the money because she is hoping the fee will be waived.

lunch lady fined $600Chester Township's acting solicitor, Murray Eckell, said that the reason Prattis is facing a fine and fee is because handing out lunches to children in her neighborhood comes with problems like kids getting injured on her property and getting food poisoning. Although these types of things can happen, it's no reason to fine the poor lady. She was just trying to better the lives of the children in her neighborhood. The township is just making excuses so that they can gouge more money out of Prattis.

Comments: 20

May Xue Aug 18, 2012, 6:34pm UTC
That's ridiculous! I hope that she doesn't have to pay anything to help feed these children.
Mike Franklin Aug 18, 2012, 7:55pm UTC
Another example of how too much government is bad for our health!
CL Mareydt Aug 18, 2012, 7:57pm UTC
That is just plain shameful to think of fining this woman ... more women taking here example of doing this would be the real answer!!!
Steve !!!! Aug 18, 2012, 8:03pm UTC
stupidity runs amuck. sometimes it just doesn't pay to try and do some good. hopefully the people in charge of this town will wake up and dothe right thiong.
Dorothy H. Aug 18, 2012, 11:48pm UTC
Hopefully, the puople will wake up and vote these politicians out, and get that ordince changed.

Just one more example of big intrusive government.
Lillith (it's a secret!) Aug 18, 2012, 11:58pm UTC
what a bunch of b.s.! good grief!!! she should not be punished for her kindness...
Visionaerie B. Aug 19, 2012, 12:03am UTC
Yes -- I bet they will get PLENTY of heat from the people on this egregious violation of human rights! And how about the guy in Arizona who went to jail for having a bible study class in his house? The Rutherford Institute has been working on that case. Our town / church and the Kiwanis Club basically eviscerated our edible-landscaped yard back in May and we're still trying to figure out why they got so carried away. They even sat on our backyard swing, broke it and took it (the doghouse too)! I even thought of asking the city council for a special meeting or something. Since this much-heralded clean-up effort, I haven't heard a peep whether they have tried it on anyone else. It's almost like they set out to destroy our yard! Thanks for posting this and keep spreading the truth!!
John Knight Aug 19, 2012, 3:53am UTC
Big Brother is your fiend ; )
Graham L. Aug 19, 2012, 4:10am UTC
The solution to all this is in everyone hands John. No matter how you look at it these people who make all these rules in towns and city's work for the people, the people being you and I. Its not the other way around we elect them, we pay them. Boot them out of office when ever there is an election, do it by any fair or unfair way possible as long as its legal. You can then change the system to a far fairer system.

To many people are sheep following what they think is right because they know no different. People should become more involved in local politics, GET IN THERE GET THEM OUT.
Heather - child of God, C. Aug 19, 2012, 12:47am UTC
I lived in Pa for 11 years and they do nickel and dime you. Where I lived they had an "occupation tax"... Yes you paid a tax on what you did for a living... not what you made... or even if you were out of work. When you enroll your children in school they ask what you do for a living and it places you in a category... and that is what this tax is based on.

It's very sad that they did this to this good person.... you would think they would be happy with her... instead of fining her. She was looking out for these kids and instead of getting involved they went in did this. Wow...
mmerlinn ?. Aug 19, 2012, 1:04am UTC
Grotesque.
Cassandra Griffith Aug 19, 2012, 2:56am UTC
Such a sad story!
Graham L. Aug 19, 2012, 4:00am UTC
When will people realize that any town official or Government person who make these rules work for the people, the people being you and I. One simple solution to this take back what is rightfully yours boot those people out of office by any lawful means possible. Don't get mad get even.
William Dotani Aug 19, 2012, 4:59am UTC
I think everyone politically correct will be shocked she is not wearing a hairnet. That alone should be 93 days in jail or community service. This of course lends a many questions, such as, where did she get the food? Did she check the expiration dates? Is it GMO free? Is she using this as a personal tax write off? One has to be careful of any do-gooder in today's believe in fear America. Let's hope she tries to board a plane, so the TSA can nab her with a banned 48 oz soft drink.
Margaret, Jeze and Cookie Richardson Aug 19, 2012, 6:16am UTC
I agree RIDICULOUS!!!! I minister to many of these people who lack food and they get most of their nutrition by dumpster diving (ie sorting through the rubbish in the skip outside the supermarket etc AFTER the food has been disposed of)...
I'm sure this lady is not giving the children outdated food or food that isn't good for them. As mentioned in the video I saw on this, wouldn't it be better if the local council were to spend the money now used on issuing fines, to finding a place for this woman to do her work????
DJ B. Aug 19, 2012, 8:41am UTC
I can't believe that! As bad as things are with the economy every city should be thankful if there are people like her who can/will share what they have with others less fortunate, not penalize them for trying to help! >:o(
Larry Not a Fan Aug 19, 2012, 8:48am UTC
In my city they have outlawed feeding the homeless. It's 75% liberal city. I don't understand liberals or conservatives. Being a Christian, If I see a homeless and they ask for food, I will give it. Godless laws of the world will not stop the feeding of the poor.
Renee Nal Aug 19, 2012, 9:38am UTC
Godless laws of the world will not stop the feeding of the poor. ;-) Awesome, Larry
Larry Not a Fan Aug 19, 2012, 6:14pm UTC
: ) !

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