Want to feed the homeless? Sure, that'll be $500 please

An Alabama pastor's efforts to feed the homeless have been thrown into doubt after city officials told him he would need to pay $500 for a food truck permit.

Pastor Rick Wood, from Lord's House of Prayer, Oneonta, has been distributing hot dogs and bottles of water to the homeless in Birmingham for the last six years without any problem.

He says he is "shocked" by the demand from the authorities, which is the result of a new city ordinance passed last December. 

The ordinance requires that all food trucks operating in the city get a permit, which can cost up to $500.

ThinkProgress reports that Mr Wood was stopped by local police last month as he made his usual round of deliveries. 

He expressed his anger in an interview with ABC 33/40 News: "That makes me so mad.  These people are hungry.  They're starving.  They need help from people.  They can't afford to buy something from a food truck."

He continued: "I'm just so totally shocked that the city is turning their back on the homeless like this.

"It's like they want to chase them out of the city. And the homeless can't help the position they're in. They need help."

Watch the ABC report here: 

News
Reflections on turning 75
Reflections on turning 75

Jewish academic and Hebrew scholar Irene Lancaster shares her reflections and wisdom of the years as she turns 75.

Which type of tree did Zacchaeus actually climb?
Which type of tree did Zacchaeus actually climb?

20 April is the feast day of Zacchaeus of Jericho. We all know the account of Zacchaeus climbing a tree to see Jesus. However, it turns out not to have been a sycamore tree at all. This is the story …

Global Church leaders urge renewed focus on cities as key to spreading the Gospel
Global Church leaders urge renewed focus on cities as key to spreading the Gospel

The Lausanne Movement is urging Christians around the world to see cities as one of the most important frontiers for mission, as rapid urbanisation continues to reshape where and how people live.

Pro-lifers show Parliament harsh reality of abortion up to birth
Pro-lifers show Parliament harsh reality of abortion up to birth

Under the changes, a woman who terminates her pregnancy by herself after the 24-week limit will not face any legal sanctions.