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Programs offered by senior centers or other community organizations, generally outside the food pantry network, that pack shopping bags (or other containers) with a supply of nutritional donated and surplus food for distribution to low-income individuals or families, students or older adults to supplement their meals at home.

Food programs that provide boxes or bags of food on a first come, first served basis for eligible people who line up, usually on a designated date at a specified time, to receive service.

Programs that acquire food products through donations, canned food drives, food bank programs or direct purchase and distribute the food to people who are in emergency situations. Some pantries deliver food to people whose disabilities or illnesses make it difficult for them to leave home.

Programs that supply food coupons which can be exchanged in designated grocery stores, supermarkets and/or farmers markets for food products. The vouchers are generally provided to low income individuals and families on an occasional or ongoing basis, but may also be available to other specified populations; and may be issued in paper or electronic formats.

Programs that provide fresh or frozen lunches or dinners which are packed in portable containers and typically picked up and eaten elsewhere. Clients may include people who are homeless or low income, have a disability or illness or meet other eligibility criteria.

Programs that provide necessary food items that are not regularly or even typically available through most food pantries for people who are in emergency situations and unable to purchase the items at retail prices or have been unable to locate those items in their local stores. Included are programs that provide access to food and related products such as water and ice that are currently unavailable due to shortages precipitated by a fire, flood, hurricane, earthquake, tornado, ice storm, power outage or other disaster/emergency; and those which supply food that is required by people with special dietary needs or reflects a particular dietary and/or culinary preference.