US News
Missouri woman continues free breakfasts despite county health department warnings
Kathy Kite vows to keep serving meals from her home after local health officials raised permit concerns following an illness complaint.
The short version
- Kathy Kite of Harrisburg, Missouri, is refusing to stop serving free homemade breakfasts to community members after receiving a warning letter from county health officials.
- The Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services Department stated that food permits are required for serving the public, citing signs, social media posts, and a tip jar at her home.
- The Goldwater Institute has requested clarification on the department's legal authority, while officials deny issuing citations, cease-and-desist orders, or threats of jail time.
Key facts
- Kathy Kite began cooking free breakfasts for neighbors and friends in Harrisburg, Missouri, in May.[Fox News]
- In July, the Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services Department sent Kite a letter requiring a food permit to continue serving meals to the public.[Fox News]
- Health officials stated that their inquiry followed a complaint that food served at the establishment made someone ill.[Fox News]
- The Goldwater Institute sent a letter to the county health department demanding its legal reasoning for intervening.[Fox News]