About
Sharing Food is Not a Crime
In July 2024 Austin Davis, who had founded a nonprofit dedicated to outreach to those who were unsheltered in Tempe was arrested and jailed by the city of Tempe for holding picnics for people who were unhoused, which according to the city, was in defiance of the city’s special event ordinance. So Austin could continue his work, he took a plea deal in September 2024 that prohibited his entry into any city park.
Community members, who were inspired by Austin’s work reviewed the city’s special event ordinance and launched the New Deal Meal in response. To stay in compliance with the special event ordinance, the New Deal Meal is a private membership based organization. Members received membership cards and sign in. The New Deal Meal also limited its time to be sure to not exceed the four hour limit for use of a ramada and does a thorough clean up after each event–and does not leave food or clothing behind.
Despite those efforts and ongoing meetings with the city on behalf of New Deal Meal by faith leaders, the city decided to charge Ron Tapscott of New Deal Meal on January 26, 2025 with violating the special event ordinance. In May 2025 “in the interest of justice” the city asked for the charges to be dropped. In April Tapscott, Davis and Jane Parker sued the city in federal court for violating their first amendment rights.
However, in June 2025 the city issued plans to change its special event ordinance in a clear effort to make the New Deal Meal illegal. On July 1, the Tempe city council will have a second read and potential vote on the ordinance revision.
Sharing Food Is Not a Crime champions the right of every individual, whether housed or unhoused, to access and enjoy public spaces without fear of legal barriers. Our mission is rooted in community freedom, equality, and dignity, fostering a society where sharing food is a compassionate act, not a punishable offense.
