Is feeding the homeless a noble effort or an illegal activity?

ATLANTA - There's an unusual debate underway in the city of Atlanta when it comes to feeding the homeless. Is it a noble effort or an illegal activity?

Recently, police have issued tickets to volunteers who do not have permits to feed the hungry, but Thursday one of those volunteers fought back in court.

For Adele Maclain, feeding the homeless and hungry in Atlanta is a passion and a calling. She works with an organization called Food Not Bombs. Instead of encouraging her good deeds, Maclain said the city of Atlanta is trying to get rid of her and the people who she serves.

Back in November, police issued her a ticket at Hurt Park citing food safety concerns. But within minutes of arriving at Atlanta Municipal Court, Maclean learned the charges had been dropped.

Many who work with the city's homeless came out to protest, saying police are deliberately trying to intimidate them.

Volunteers said providing food is only a small part of the services they provide.

The activists who gathered Thursday said they're asking the city of Atlanta and police in Georgia to issue a clear statement that people do have the right to feed the homeless in public places. Until then, they said they'll continue their efforts anyway.