Do I need a non profit status to start a church or charity organization

If you start a business or service to help the community using donations from friends and other nterested parties, their donations to you or your cause are not tax deductible for them if you don't have a non-profit status with IRS and it is also possible you would have to declare the money you receive as income. It is much better to go the non-profit incorporation route. In most states that does not cost as much as you might suspect. As for serving food or other services of that nature, you would still have to comply with local health department standards and have the necessary certificates for food handling and services like that.

This is a wonderful thing you want to do. Yes, you need to be recognized as a Tax exempt entity, and it is a lengthy and involved process. I would talk to your tax preparer or visit www.irs.gov for direction.
Do you belong to a Church? If so, your pastor probably has been through this process and might be very helpful in helping you get started, or may even offer to allow you to start this ministry as part of an outreach of your Church. Best wishes!