SEYMOUR, Ind. (AP) - A southern Indiana pantry can no longer distribute federal food items because it asks clients to pray, and the agency cutting off the supply says it's merely complying with state rules.
Paul Brock said he will not change the way he operates Community Provisions of Jackson County because he never requires a client to pray with him or one of its 45 other volunteers.
"We ask them if they want to pray with us, and if they say 'No,' we still give them food," Brock told The Tribune for a story Monday .
Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana administers the federal program for the Indiana State Department of Health and ensures compliance with guidelines by food pantries. Spokeswoman Carrie Fulbright said the guidelines were set by the federal government.
"The guidelines are no religious (activity) or teaching can be required for providing services," she said. "We have to go off what the state says."
Because many food pantries have ties to churches, the state and Gleaners have suggested to faith-based operations that they offer brochures or establish a separate room for prayer while complying with regulations.
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