New Jersey could end its food ban at funerals

If you ever get hungry at funerals a New Jersey lawmaker feels your pain. 

The Record reports Assemblywoman Nancy Pinkin is sponsoring a bill that would end the ban on food at funeral. It would allow refreshments to be served or catered for friends and family of the deceased.

The New Jersey is among a handful that forbids refreshments at funeral homes. Lenore Guido, bereavement coordinator at Holy Name Hospice, says coming together to break bread is a custom that’s even more important in times of grief.

But Louis Stellato Jr., president of several northern New Jersey funeral homes, worries that accommodating food would distract funeral directors from celebrating life.

Last month New York overturned its ban on food at funerals. The law allows funeral homes to allow light snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. 

Pennsyvania also bans food at funerals. Although the ban was temporarily lifted between 2012-2014. The ban ended when a court ruled the ban unconstitutional but two years later another court reinstated the food ban. 

Associated Press contributed to this story