A charity organization in Sudbury that provided hot meals to the homeless over the past year and a half has been shut down by Public Health Sudbury and District.

The problem is that the food was not prepared in approved or inspected kitchens. Now, the group is looking for suitable space to continue the assistance.

The volunteer group, a registered non-profit organization, has cooked and distributed more than 14,000 hot meals to people in the Sudbury area.

This week, the group was shut down by public health. John Groolx, Director of the Health Protection Department at Public Health Sudbury & District, said: "What I can say is that they are currently unapproved and not subject to inspections."

Health officials said the reason is to reduce foodborne illnesses caused by food prepared in an unmonitored facility.

After undergoing routine random inspections. Now, volunteers are looking with Bizzzy Bea's for a new space and hope to return and cook soon.

DuBois said: "We are very excited. So we are just taking this as a learning opportunity to become bigger and better. We are very excited to find this certified kitchen where we will continue these meals." The health unit said it offers free safe food handling training for non-profit organizations.