The "Jusst Sooup Ranch Ministry," is located on Route 9 in Cool Spring. (Photo: WBOC)GEORGETOWN, Del.- The Sussex County Board of Adjustment on Monday night voted 5-0 to deny a Good Samaritan a permit to serve food to the needy on her property.
In rendering its decision, the Board of Adjustment said the Rev. Dale Dunning's soup kitchen "Jusst Sooup Ranch Ministry," located on Route 9 in Cool Spring, was not up to code. Monday's unanimous vote means that Dunning will be allowed to cook food on her property, but not serve it on premises.
People who are against Dunning's operation said it would bring unwanted people to the community.
"We don't particularly want that type of clientele in our neighborhood- it's that simple," said John Doerfler.
Those who support the soup kitchen said they are shocked by the Board of Adjustment's decision.
"I think it's a sin, I really do," said Michelle DePasquale. "The people that oppose this have never spent time in the ministry that they are opposing. To say that they fear for their children is crazy. My children go to the ministry and help to serve there. Never once have they been threatened."
Dunning said that for now, she will prepare food on her property, then shuttle it elsewhere.
In August, the TV show "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," along with thousands of community volunteers, built a commercial-style kitchen on Dunning's property.
