Yeah, I don't really have enough information to judge. I know that in order to serve even the republican breakfasts that they hold in our county we had to be certified. We either had to hold them in restaurants or we had to get certified and follow those reasonable restrictions. However I don't know if the church had done these things or if that state requires it.I don't know about each state, but in IL churches that serve food must be licensed by health department. I've volunteered at 3 separate food kitchens and all had professional kitchens and licenses.
I think it has more to do with wanting the states to control those needing help. Most of the charitable locations not only give hot meals, but showers, counseling, and clothing for job interviews. Not so surprisingly the kitchens are doubling as AA and NA meeting places.