Philly ban on outdoor food programs set for June 1

City officials say a ban on feeding the homeless in Philadelphia’s parks will take effect next month.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports the city Parks and Recreation Department filed papers Monday that would put the ban in effect June 1.
The city moved in March to ban community groups from distributing meals to the homeless in public spaces, including the area of Benjamin Franklin Parkway, where many of Philadelphia’s museums are located.

Critics say the city was trying to keep the homeless out of sight as the new Barnes Foundation museum opened to visitors. But Mayor Michael Nutter says the city wants to get the homeless indoors where they can get medical and other services.

The new rules also include sanitation rules for groups looking to serve meals.