WASHINGTON - Leo Woodson and his Noah's Ark Food Bank distributed free bread "on the street" Tuesday because, Woodson says, the church that had housed them for six years padlocked them out Monday after city inspectors threatened the church with code violations and fines.

"Unfortunately, the inspector came around this morning and said we're not supposed to be on the street as well," said Woodson.

Woodson uses his own retirement money to rent a truck he drives to the Bimbo Company's bread distribution center in Springfield three times a week where they give him free bread for the needy.

"We're in a recession, we're struggling," said one woman.

"This is desperately needed," added another woman.

Individuals and volunteer groups come to the church daily for the bread, leaving donations if they have it.

"Everybody is taking money out of their own pockets to pay for the gas to pay for the food to pay for the rental of the truck," said volunteer Kate Tsubata.

Woodson says he's asked Mayor Adrian Fenty to help and that Fenty said he would help. When we asked the mayor about the group Tuesday, he said, "I don't know what you're talking about. I've never heard of them..."

Some of the bread seekers seem to blame Fenty for the program's plight.

Southeast D.C. resident Pandora Johnson said, "When he close this down it's like he took a knife to poor people struggling, trying to make it in DC."

"To close a place like this which is for the community to help so many people," said Southeast resident Juanita Deloatch.

Woodson says it's a struggle, but the need is there.

He said, "I do it because of the great need out there in the community...our children are going to be hungry, our seniors are going to be hungry because they just to have the means to provide for themselves."

Late Tuesday afternoon, the District Department of Health sent ABC 7 a statement saying it investigated after receiving a complaint from the community. A spokesperson says the department is working with the food bank to try and resolve the situation.

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