This ordinance establishes a defense to prosecution under the City's Food Establishment code for individuals or organizations (not just church, civic, or other charitable organizations) that meet certain requirements and distribute or serve food, free of charge, to homeless people. Requirements include providing notice to the city within a specified time of the food service or distribution.
The ordinance relates to people "serving or distributing food, without charge, to homeless individuals." § 17-1.6(a)(5).
See references to "food safety" and safe handling of "potentially hazardous food" in subparts § 17-1.6(a)(5)(C)-(D).
Ordinance details what a person serving or distributing food to the homeless must do to qualify for defense to prosecution. The City receives the person's notice, but no other government implementation information is provided. § 17-1.6(a)(5).
This policy is located in the Dallas, Texas Code of Ordinances, Chapter 17 - Food Establishments, Section 17-1.6 Defenses for Certain Types of Activities. History: Ord. Nos. 26023; 26556; 29595; 30134.