Integrating Public Health and Urban Policy: Assessing the Impact on Public Feeding Bans on the Homeless Population

^Background:

^{U.S. City ordinances restricting public food sharing have an impact on the homeless population. Many cities have recently stepped up anti-homeless measures, choosing to criminalize pedestrian acts of kindness on those who attempt to share food with the homeless. Over 40 cities have passed laws banning or limiting volunteers from sharing food in public in order to prevent food borne illnesses and improve public health. Food sharing restrictions fail to offer any meaningful remedy for the homeless. Many anti-homeless ordinances also raise constitutional concerns, with homeless individuals and the organizations that support them.}

^{Objective:  To assess public feeding bans across U.S. cities and their impact on the homeless population.  To analyze public feeding bans using public health, public safety, social justice, and economic frameworks.}

^{Design/Methods: An exploratory research design. The methods of data collection include reviewing literature and copies of U.S. city ordinances that restrict food sharing.}  

^{Hypothesis: (1) Instead of penalizing homeless individuals, cities can collaborate with food sharing groups to effectively address the problems of hunger and homelessness.}

^{Conclusion: Alternatives to food sharing restrictions do exist. Local governments and homeless advocates can successfully work together to reach a common goal that address public health concern such as food safety, as well as socially just principles.}