Business

NYC Anti-Salt Crusade Demands Gov’t-Run Shelters Turn Away Donated Food

NYC Anti Salt Crusade Demands Govt Run Shelters Turn Away Donated FoodNew York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has made it impossible for Good Samaritans to donate food to government-run facilities that feed the homeless.

For what reason would he restrict free and charitable donations?

Well, you’re probably familiar with the mayor’s crusade against salt — apparently, it’s bad for you and the government should regulate how much is in your food.

Therefore, in an effort to curb the citizenry’s dirty salt habits, the Bloomberg administration has instructed all government-run shelters to turn away any donated food items that lack specific nutritional information.

Basically, the city is dissuading private citizens from being charitable.

“For over a decade, Glenn Richter and his wife, Lenore, have led a team of food-delivery volunteers from Ohab Zedek, the Upper West Side Orthodox congregation,” writes Jeff Stier in the New York Post.

“They’ve brought freshly cooked, nutrient-rich surplus foods from synagogue events to homeless facilities in the neighborhood…The practice of donating such surplus food to homeless shelters is common among houses of worship in the city,” he adds.

But according to DHS Commissioner Seth Diamond, the food donations ban is “consistent” with Mayor Bloomberg’s desire to “improve[e] nutrition for all New Yorkers.” In fact, the mayor is so dedicated to the cause, that his administration has produced an interagency document that specifically outlines what can and can’t be served, appropriate serving sizes, what content is permissible, fiber minimums, and condiment recommendations.

What “can” and “can’t” be served?

“The city also cites food-safety issues with donations, but it’s clear that the real driver behind the ban is the Bloomberg dietary diktats,” Stier writes.

But not to worry! According to Diamond, the government-approved food tastes just fine and there’s plenty of it – so they don’t need any of that donated synagogue food.

“Glenn Richter’s experience suggests otherwise,” Stier writes. “He says the beneficiaries — many of them senior citizens recovering from drug and alcohol abuse — have always been appreciative of the treats he and other OZ members bring.”

He continues:

It’s not just that the donations offer an enjoyable addition to the “official” low-salt fare; knowing that the food comes from volunteers and community members warms their hearts, not just their stomachs.

So you can imagine Richter’s consternation last month when employees at a local shelter turned away food he brought from a bar mitzvah.

“This level of micromanagement is stunning,” Richter, himself a former city employee, said.

Many critics of the mayor’s salt crusade have noted that people have been eating salt for, well, a really, really long time and, apparently against all odds, they’ve managed to make it this far.

“Jews have been eating chulent and kugel for a long time, and somehow we’ve managed to live long and healthy lives. All we want to do is to continue sharing these bounties with our neighbors,” Rabbi Allen Schwartz of Ohav Zedek said.

So which is more impressive: the fact that the mayor apparently has the authority to regulate the city’s salt intake, or the fact that he was able to get dozens of city employees and agencies to go along with the idea?

“The Bloomberg administration is so obsessed with meddling in how we all live that it’s now eating away at the very best that New York citizens have to deliver,” Stier writes.

Comments (122)

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  • sawbuck
    Posted on March 19, 2012 at 9:18pm

    First Philadelphia now NYC …More smoke and mirrors.
    The real motive is to promote unrest among the homeless-destitute ,
    so they will unite with the OWS crowd …
    Basically turning the homeless into a unknowing useful-idiot .
    ^bottom-up^

    Report Post » sawbuck  
    • sasquatch08
      Posted on March 19, 2012 at 9:22pm

      You might be on to something there SAWBUCK.

      If food donations drop drastically, then he can tell the homeless people it’s because charity has gone down, and “Sorry, no food for you” and thereby inciting them to unrest.

      Of course, that dovetails nicely with my idea. Homeless suffering means foodbanks need food, from the government. Government is broke. Taxes go up. Citizens have less money, government has more control.

      Report Post »  
    • sawbuck
      Posted on March 19, 2012 at 9:42pm

      Good to see someone else has there radar on Sasquatch08.
      For a second there , I thought I was alone on this one.

      Report Post » sawbuck  
    • SpeckChaser
      Posted on March 19, 2012 at 10:05pm

      Our Ole Uncle JZS debunked the myth about a salt ban proposal a long time ago. This story cannot be true. So trust Uncle JZS and disregard any story concerning the government regulating your food intake.

      JZS already told us there was no such thing as a salt ban proposal. It was a joke story made up out of thin air to get under the skin of ignorant conservatives. Here are a few quotes below.

      JZS said, “Spec, I don’t know the story there, but that is an absurd joke, a parody, which you bought completely…I’m saying that the proposed legislation was a joke of some kind? Would you look again for an actual law banning salt, not some goofy proposal designed, probably, to provoke people like you?”

      JZS also said, “So I’ll ask you again, as I ask before, “Would you look again for an actual law banning salt, not some goofy proposal designed, probably, to provoke people like you?”

      JZS then said, “Seriously, look me in the eye and say that you’re worried about “the government” banning salt from being added to food in restaurants. That’s an absurd joke.

      Most can be found below.

      Link to actual non-goofy proposed law banning salt.

      http://open.nysenate.gov/legislation/bill/A10129-2009

      http://www.theblaze.com/stories/overestimating-global-warming-scientists-say-new-map-of-greenland-now-needs-more-ice/

      Report Post » SpeckChaser  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on March 19, 2012 at 10:26pm

      @ SPECKCHASER,

      Thumbs up !

      Nothing like a perfectly timed preemptive strike.

      I love the smell of napalm in the evening.

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
    • USAMEDIC3008
      Posted on March 19, 2012 at 10:29pm

      I will bet he don’t let his
      old lady have any pekker either……

      Report Post » USAMEDIC3008  
    • cuinsong
      Posted on March 19, 2012 at 10:33pm

      Why is it that the idiot libs just can not keep their fre**kin nose’s out of our life’s!
      It drives me nuts because they are so misguided and stupid!
      Their song is called.
      “What’s Wrong With This Song” http://www.reverbnation.com/play_now/song_9134749

      Report Post » cuinsong  
    • SpeckChaser
      Posted on March 19, 2012 at 10:37pm

      Hey Billy

      What are those corn squeezins you were talking about? Sounds like it would compliment my next crawfish boil.

      Report Post » SpeckChaser  
    • Detroit paperboy
      Posted on March 19, 2012 at 11:23pm

      Only the government knows how to feed starving people…….

      Report Post »  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on March 20, 2012 at 12:04am

      Hey Speckchaser,

      Crawfish and corn squeezins go together right nicely.

      And JZS, if you decide to try it, please remember to cleanse your palate with a nice lemon sorbet before the second course.

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
    • Latter-Day-Soldier
      Posted on March 20, 2012 at 12:27am

      O wonder if the food distributors for o.w.s. events are held to the same standards?

      Report Post » Latter-Day-Soldier  
    • Latter-Day-Soldier
      Posted on March 20, 2012 at 12:29am

      That was supposed to start with “I”, whoops.

      Report Post » Latter-Day-Soldier  
    • chicago76
      Posted on March 20, 2012 at 11:43am

      Sasquatch is onto something. Are they trying to create a food emergency? Would the government use that as an excuse to control the production of food across the country? I can foresee food shortages and huge increases in food prices coming. Just like the oil industry in America was damaged by government rules, now the food production and distribution is being damaged in America by government rules.

      Report Post »  
    • Balpit
      Posted on March 20, 2012 at 10:06pm

      At least all the people who end up going hungry yet another night will be happy to know they’re safe from those bad, evil salty foods. And those who starve to death? At least they weren’t killed by salt!

      These anti-salt/fat/etc. crusades are going way too far.

      Report Post »  
  • dmerwin
    Posted on March 19, 2012 at 9:15pm

    For the record. Studies have proven that people with hypertension favorably respond to a low sodium diet at a rate of less than 10%. Which means mandating low salt for EVERYONE is rather foolish.

    Report Post » dmerwin  
    • HorseCrazy
      Posted on March 19, 2012 at 9:47pm

      yes and people with low bloodpressure like myself constantly crave my salty kosher items which helps keep my bloodpressure up. I am sure starving people really are wondering how healthy the food is they will now be eating out of dumpsters instead of those evil salty kosher meals. Mayor bloomberg…well ny you got what you voted for,.

      Report Post »  
  • o-dumb-er
    Posted on March 19, 2012 at 9:13pm

    He should ban Ketchup, Pickles, Salad Dressing and canned food …yadda yadda. Have you seen the salt content on these beast?

    Report Post »  
    • USAMEDIC3008
      Posted on March 19, 2012 at 10:33pm

      O-DUMB-ER-ER-ER
      Shut yo mouth
      Use Sodium cloride instead……….

      Report Post » USAMEDIC3008  
  • MrKnowItAll
    Posted on March 19, 2012 at 9:11pm

    Lets see. Salt was used to preserve about everything before Refrigeration. People had a low mortality rate because Cocaine, Codeine, Morphine and every other drug was on the Shelf. You didn’t need to get them from a Pharmacist. Mix those with Alcohol. (Which many, many, all DID). You don’t live that long. I LOVE SALT! Can’t get Enough of it. Why are all these Nuts trying to tell us what to eat, sleep and Discard? For the Love Of Jim Jones!!!

    Report Post » MrKnowItAll  
  • o-dumb-er
    Posted on March 19, 2012 at 9:11pm

    San Fran=sissy=co of the east coast. SF banned happy meals for kids!!! Go figure. Birds of a feather flock together…I can choose to spend my money in TEXAS!!!

    Report Post »  
  • So
    Posted on March 19, 2012 at 9:09pm

    Animal farm.

    “Change we can believe in.”?. Yeah. Right.

    When starving is better than too much salt, you better “hope” we “change” everything back.

    Report Post »  
    • bobmcgus
      Posted on March 19, 2012 at 10:26pm

      Animal Farm x 1984 x socialist agenda = obama + bloomberg . ( only appropraite words have been capitolized… disrespect intended)

      Report Post » bobmcgus  
  • Mary Just
    Posted on March 19, 2012 at 9:09pm

    Demonrats are pure evil

    Report Post »  
  • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
    Posted on March 19, 2012 at 9:07pm

    Cougar, med-rare, with a side of coleslaw. Good eats.

    Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
    • spirited
      Posted on March 19, 2012 at 9:26pm

      corned beef hash & two fried eggs –with a side of bacon,
      two slices of butterd toast, and a large V-8 –with one half of a lemon squeezed please;

      ;^> to cleanse the liver.

      Report Post » spirited  
    • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
      Posted on March 19, 2012 at 9:57pm

      That was a comment for that spam someone keeps posting for a Cougar website.

      Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
    • AmericanStrega
      Posted on March 20, 2012 at 11:23am

      SPIRITED,
      Don’t forget that tall glass of buttermilk with salt and pepper in it! MMMM,MMMM,GOOD!

      Report Post »  
  • Al J Zira
    Posted on March 19, 2012 at 9:05pm

    This guy is nuts!

    Report Post » Al J Zira  
  • TRONINTHEMORNING
    Posted on March 19, 2012 at 9:04pm

    He bought his mayorship, he is no republican, independent; he is a lib, thru and thru. And he’s got a lack of logic to say the least. Also, he’s a little wuss.

    Report Post »  
    • HorseCrazy
      Posted on March 19, 2012 at 9:52pm

      little being the key word. why is it that the little ugly girlie men grow up and want to control the world

      Report Post »  
  • spirited
    Posted on March 19, 2012 at 9:04pm

    “change”: Remove the charitable deeds of people ….and religion.
    Had it not been for the ‘church’ and ‘community’, this country would have failed long ago.

    ‘We take care of our own –in our community’ has come to take on a new meaning.
    …as has community organizing.

    >New Rule:
    It‘s the govenment’s duty for “folks to pay their fair share”
    so the government can provide “social justice”. (head shake, head shake)

    Report Post » spirited  
  • MDDAWG
    Posted on March 19, 2012 at 9:03pm

    The sad thing is that only 1/3 of people with hypertension can lower their blood pressure by reducing their salt intake. Salt is in most of our foods and our body needs salt. Of course, if you live in NYC you by definition have high blood pressure.

    Nevertheless, when is the government going to quit telling us what to do in EVERY aspect of our lives?

    Report Post » MDDAWG  
    • TomFerrari
      Posted on March 19, 2012 at 9:20pm

      Absolutely!!
      Our bodies NEED SALT in order to survive.
      During the Roman Empire, men were PAID in salt.
      That is the origin of the phrase, “worth your salt”. It is also the root word of the word, “SALARY”.
      Men were paid a salt wage. Salt=Sal (saline, etc), hence, “SALARY.”

      When I lived in Palm Springs, CA, many people had to take salt tablets, especially in triple-digit heat.

      Gatorade… Replenishes SALT and other electrolytes.

      Salt is just a TOOL to the food-nazis. Just like Sugar. Oh, I’m sorry, sugar is okay this year. High fructose corn syrup is the evil substance this year. (never mind your body has zero ability to differentiate sugar from syrup. Simple carbohydrates are all the same to your system.)

      They want to control the resources. Control the water, control the food, and you control the people.
      Forget that the people are in charge. Take power. Take control. Force them to “submit!”

      Report Post » TomFerrari  
    • nolemming
      Posted on March 19, 2012 at 9:36pm

      I seem to remember reading something about older folks years ago having a high incidence of goiters because they were not getting iodine in their diets. That is why they added iodine to salt. Besides I personally don’t think salt “causes” high blood pressure, Liberals do!

      Report Post » nolemming  
    • the_truth_or_not
      Posted on March 19, 2012 at 10:19pm

      MDDAWG don’t get bogged down trying to put holes in their story. I could not figure out what this salt ordinance was about when it first reared its ugly head. The true intent is what many (I hope has posted) the govt destroying the peoples ability to be charitable so they could in-turn say, look, if it wasn’t for big govt, we would be in trouble. For this mans sake I hope GOD has mercy on his soul. We as men are not to judge another except by their works. This mans works is truly evil.

      There will become a time when govt wont try controlling every facet of our lives. that is when we have ran out of time and Christ returns. (and no, no one is going to fly away!)

      Report Post » the_truth_or_not  
  • paperpushermj
    Posted on March 19, 2012 at 9:03pm

    Yikes

    Report Post » paperpushermj  
  • beckwill
    Posted on March 19, 2012 at 9:03pm

    Another attempt at population control? Logic and intelligence escapes this lot.

    Report Post »  
  • tzion
    Posted on March 19, 2012 at 9:01pm

    Shows what he knows. Doesn’t he realize that salt is an essential nutrient? Sure most of us consume more than the necessary minimum and some of us consume too much without realizing, but even that is manageable so long as one remains hydrated. Excess salt is filtered out by the kidneys anyways.

    Report Post »  
  • paperpushermj
    Posted on March 19, 2012 at 9:00pm

    One has to ask of the people in the story above complaining about The Control Freak Mayor Bloomberg…..How many Voted for him?

    Report Post » paperpushermj  
  • jonhova
    Posted on March 19, 2012 at 8:58pm

    I was eating at the window seats in a Burger King on 6th Ave in NYC watching a homeless guy eat Chinese food out of a sidewalk garbage can. I think whatever is donated will do just fine Mr. Mayor.

    Report Post »  
  • MrButcher
    Posted on March 19, 2012 at 8:57pm

    They’ll be eating the raw, salty flesh of Mayor Bloomberg before the year is out…

    Report Post » MrButcher  
  • poster
    Posted on March 19, 2012 at 8:54pm

    Hurray for Mayor Bloomberg!!!! Make those people starve. Enough with the handouts. You tell ‘em, Mike. You and your 1%-er buddies know how to handle those homeless people — starve ‘em!!

    Maybe you can give up your $300 lunches and your personal chefs. Give some of that “healthy” food to the poor downtrodden. You’re getting fat, anyway.

    Report Post »  
    • biblegeek119
      Posted on March 19, 2012 at 9:04pm

      A full plate of genetically modified produce and grains, hormone+antibiotic+radiation filled meat and daily, he is worried that they have too much salt? So ridiculous and mean!

      Report Post »  
    • 2theADDLED
      Posted on March 19, 2012 at 9:07pm

      Libs logic if you don’t feed them they will go away however that backfires because crime will rise and many would seek out 3 hots and a cot.
      Salt moves from the shelf to behind counters and need to show ID or prescription to purchase salt.

      Report Post »  
  • kickagrandma
    Posted on March 19, 2012 at 8:52pm

    “Ye are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its savor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.”

    Add salt shakers and lanterns to the TEA BAGS, folks and let’s get after it!

    “Our GOD is marching on!”

    Report Post »  
    • MrButcher
      Posted on March 19, 2012 at 8:58pm

      You should have taken the “Pillars of Salt” approach…

      More ironic.

      Report Post » MrButcher  
  • momrules
    Posted on March 19, 2012 at 8:51pm

    Isn’t it time for real American New Yorkers to tell Bloomberg NO and just defy those orders. The homeless need food and good people need to give. To hell with Bloomberg’s craziness.

    Report Post »  
  • bigmel754
    Posted on March 19, 2012 at 8:50pm

    You must have missed the news of the presidents signing of the new executive order on Friday that explains just what is happening. Read it and see if this is not just the tip of it!!! The president and his government stooges truly know what is best for YOU!

    Report Post »  
  • So
    Posted on March 19, 2012 at 8:46pm

    Starve or too much salt? Hmmm.

    What a dilemma.

    Report Post »  
  • Mark0331
    Posted on March 19, 2012 at 8:45pm

    This guy Bloomberg is nuts…unsalted, apparently.

    Report Post » Mark0331  
  • possom
    Posted on March 19, 2012 at 8:44pm

    The homeless should march on bloomberg!

    Report Post » possom  
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