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"  In a strange turn of events, New York City has enacted a new rule that bans food donations to homeless shelters. Even more odd is the reasoning behind the decision \u2014 health concerns. According to CBS News, homeless shelters are now prohibited from accepting food because New York City health officials have stated that it&amp;#039;s impossible to gauge the donated items&amp;#039; salt, fiber, and other nutritional content. An inter-agency task force that included the New York City Department of Health and the Department of Homeless Services created the ban. It is widely agreed that food is probably the most necessary item for any shelter and this new rule will certainly cause problems for those attempting to provide meals for the homeless. More From Delish: 11 Healthy Meals on a Budget When asked a question about the controversial nature of the new policy, Mayor Bloomberg responded curtly, &amp;quot;For the things that we run because of all sorts of safety reasons, we just have a policy, it is my understanding, of not taking donations.&amp;quot; According to the Huffington Post, the Mayor of New York, Michael Bloomberg, has already been criticized for his policies relating to both health and the homeless. Many initiatives relating to curbing salt, trans-fat, and fighting obesity have given his administration the nickname of &amp;quot;nanny state.&amp;quot; While his policies may be attempting to improve New Yorkers&amp;#039; health, many residents believe they infringe on basic rights. One example of another unorthodox policy proposed by Mayor Bloomberg was a plan to alleviate overcrowding in homeless shelters. Mayor Bloomberg suggested offering people food stamps and furniture in exchange for taking in the homeless. More From Delish: Healthy Meals from Day to Night In a response to the new policy that bans food donations, City Council members aligned with homeless advocates and filed a lawsuit against the city. City Council members and homeless advocates alike are angry about what they feel is a &amp;quot;misguided plan.&amp;quot; They are concerned that nutritional information aside, banning food donations could be a death sentence for homeless New Yorkers. What do you think: Should nutritional information be taken into consideration in homeless-shelter food donations? "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.delish.com/food/news/a37406/new-york-city-bans-food-donations/>