Missouri grandmother continues to serve free breakfasts despite health department's request for permit

<p>Kathy Kite, a grandmother from Harrisburg, Missouri, has been serving free homemade breakfasts to her community since May. After receiving a letter from the Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services Department in July, she was informed that she needed a food permit to continue her service or face potential legal action.</p><p>Kite expressed her determination to continue her tradition, stating, "I'm not gonna stop providing for my community. I wouldn't stop feeding my children, I wouldn't stop feeding my family. I'm not gonna stop feeding my community cause they are my family." She described her feelings of fear and confusion upon receiving the letter, which she interpreted as a threat of jail time for continuing her breakfasts.</p><p>The health department clarified that their letter did not threaten jail time. They stated that food permits are not required for serving food to family and friends, but are necessary when providing food to the public. They cited the Missouri food code in their explanation.</p><p>Kite began serving breakfasts after the local gas station where she worked stopped offering breakfast options due to COVID-19. Her initiative quickly grew, attracting more residents from her small town of fewer than 300 people, fostering a sense of community.</p><p>The health department noted that Kite's home had signs indicating a food establishment, which contributed to the complaint they received about food safety. They emphasized their role in promoting safe food practices and preventing food-borne illnesses.</p><p>The Goldwater Institute has intervened on Kite's behalf, sending a letter to the health department requesting clarification on their legal reasoning, although no lawsuit has been filed yet.</p>