Councilwoman denounces PM for preventing food donations to the homeless population

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) were prevented by the São Paulo Military Police (PMSP) from distributing food to the homeless population in the capital of São Paulo. The complaint is contained in a letter sent on Tuesday (23) by councilor Silva from Bancada Feminista (PSOL) to the National Human Rights Ombudsman’s Office of the Ministry of Human Rights and Citizenship.

The document reports recent episodes that occurred with two entities, one of which, Associação Mãos na Massa, was prevented from distributing food at least three times. In the letter, the councilor asks for the facts to be investigated and measures taken, in addition to a hearing to address the issue.

Since 2016, Mãos na Massa has been donating food in the central region of the city, with the aim of minimizing the high rates of hunger in the country. “We serve more than 700 people in socially vulnerable situations every Monday in the center of São Paulo and in extra actions on some other day of the week. Our work includes collecting food and supplies and preparation, all logistics of delivery and collection of waste generated on site, at the end of the action”, informs the association.

“With the justification that the distribution of food could only be done if the volunteers had a use permission form (TPU), a document that street vendors and other traders need to have to work on sidewalks and other public roads in the city.

The São Paulo Military Police blocked organizations that work with the most vulnerable population in São Paulo, preventing them from operating and distributing food, says the councilwoman’s letter.

Silva highlights that NGOs go there voluntarily to provide food and that there is no impediment. “There is, on the contrary, gratitude, recognition from the city of São Paulo”, Mayor Ricardo Nunes told the press yesterday, during a public event. According to Nunes, the entities that distribute food are entities that contribute to the city and with people in vulnerable situations.

In a recording released in the press, one of the police officers mentions the need for the TPU for the Mãos na Massa Association to distribute the food. “The TPU is only for someone who is going to sell something on public roads. For people to distribute food, there is no need,” said the mayor.

“What happened, certainly, was misinformation regarding this situation, because this is the second time we have heard. I saw the video, they sent me the video of the military police officer, very polite, talking to the person, saying that he would need this document. It’s just a matter of misinformation,” added Nunes.

Prior authorization

According to Law No. 15,947, of December 26, 2013, the distribution of manipulated food in public areas requires prior authorization from the competent sub-prefecture, recalls, in a note, the São Paulo Public Security Secretariat (SSP).

According to the ministry, the area policing command will meet with public authorities “to seek a solution that does not negatively impact the population that depends on these charitable actions”.

A Brazil Agency requested confirmation of receipt of the letter from the Ministry of Human Rights and Citizenship and is awaiting a response.