Is it legal in GA to give homemade food to the homeless? Here’s what the law says

There’s nothing better than a hot, home cooked meal made by someone who cares. Likewise, there’s also nothing better than making and giving a homemade meal to someone who needs it.

However, if you live in Georgia, there are some things to know before you go handing out your homemade meatloaf or green bean casserole. For example, it might actually be illegal.

Here’s what to know:

Is it legal to give homemade food to GA homeless?

According to Georgia law, you need a Cottage Food License to feed homemade food to the homeless. Under the law, handing out homemade food is considered a “food service” and thus, you must have a permit to do so.

The legally required permit also restricts what homemade food you can serve to the homeless. Cottage Food Operators can only make and serve “non-potentially hazardous foods” such as breads, candies, cakes, cookies, jams, seasonings and dried fruits.

What are the consequences for handing out homemade food without a permit?

If you are caught feeding people without a permit, you could get into some trouble. In places like Atlanta, if you don’t have a permit, police will probably write you a citation and they may even fine you.

In other places like Macon-Bibb County, anyone serving food without a permit will be asked to stop and leave or face legal consequences, according to local news outlets.

But why? Fulton County authorities said the homeless “become dependent on these activities, leading them to stay on the streets instead of seeking the help and support they truly need.”

Other reasons include sanitary issues or foodborne illness outbreaks. So, what can you do to help the homeless?

Feeding Georgia Families offers several different options for anyone who wants to lend a hand to those in need:

• Consider donating non-perishable foods to pantries in your local community.
• Spread the word about how food insecure families can get help: meals on wheels, meals on wheels for kids, Operation Doyen for veterans, mobile pantries and community partnerships from local businesses.
• Volunteer at a local kitchen that makes hot meals or snack kits.
• Help make Thanksgiving meal boxes during the week of Thanksgiving at participating locations.

Does this news surprise you? Why or why not? Let me know in the comments or email me at cmadden@mcclatchy.com.

Chelsea Madden

The Telegraph

Chelsea is a service journalism reporter who began working for McClatchy in 2022. She was born and raised in Middle Georgia and lives in Forsyth. She attended Wesleyan College for undergrad and a few years after that, went to SCAD for an MFA in writing. Outside of work, Chelsea likes to watch Netflix, read books in the thriller genre and chase her toddler around.