Death-Row Inmate Requests Pizza for Homeless

It is known that a prisoner is typically awarded a final meal of their choice before they are scheduled to be executed. Inmates facing the decision of what to eat would probably want steak or crab legs. A lavish meal for one is what the prison would expect as the inmate's final selection. For Philip Workman, he refused to eat his last meal. Instead, Workman chose to have his final meal given to a homeless person.

Philip Workman was convicted of killing a police officer during a robbery of a restaurant. His case has seen a great deal of publicity from the media. The individual who testified against Workman has come forward to admit to lying about the incident. Workman has had five dates set for his execution. On three separate occasions, Philip Workman has been within three days of his death before his appeal went through. The final appeal failed and Workman was executed Wednesday May 9, 2007.

His request for the final meal was that a pizza be sent to a homeless person to enjoy. Workman recollected his days as a homeless person and recalled the fight to have enough food to eat. His request for a vegetarian pizza donation was refused by Riverbend Maximum Security Institution.

The usual last meal costs less than $20.00. The Riverbend Maximum Security Institution was unable to meet the request, because tax-ppayers money was not allotted to make donations.

Philip Workman's generosity was noted by both the public and the media. Even PETA took an interest in the situation. Vegetarian pizzas began rolling into Tennessee charities this week. One lady used her credit card to help fill the request. A delivery of 150 pizzas were received at a local homeless shelter at a cost of about $1200!

Numerous charities received anonymous donations of pizza in the name of Philip Workman. Although a meal of pizza is common to many in Tennessee and around the U.S., this hot, delicious meal is a luxury for the homeless. Homeless individuals and families have a hard enough time getting a warm meal to eat, let alone a pizza party! Many recipients of the vegetarian pizzas were aware of the circumstances related to the donation.