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Programs that provide nutritious evening meals for disadvantaged children who live in low-income neighborhoods. The meals are often sponsored by local food banks that are part of the Second Harvest network; are served in a safe, accessible, convenient environment; and may be offered in combination with educational, recreational and social activities that draw upon existing community programs. Also included are programs that make weekend meals available to this population during the school year.

A program that provides supplementary nutrition in the form of healthy meals and snacks for preschool and school-age children and adults receiving day care. Licensed child care centers, Head Start programs, family day care homes, adult day care centers and homeless shelters serving families are eligible to participate and are reimbursed for a portion of the meals served. In the United States, the program is administered at the federal level by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Programs that organizes suppers, lunches or other get-togethers that give community residents an opportunity to meet one another in a friendly and informal atmosphere while sharing a meal. Community meals are generally sponsored by churches, libraries and other local community organizations and coordinated by volunteers.

Programs that provide hot meals on a regular basis primarily for older adults who may be at risk for nutritional deficits and social isolation without assistance. Congregate meals are often combined with recreational, educational and social activities, and programs may include access to health services and/or information. Some programs are also open to caregivers, spouses, and/or adults with disabilities.

Programs that prepare and deliver regular meals to older adults and people with disabilities who are unable to shop and/or prepare the food for themselves or travel to a site where a meal is being served.

Programs offered by churches, restaurants and other organizations that provide meals in a central location for people who lack the resources needed to buy and prepare food. The food may be distributed to people who line up for the meal or may be served to people seated in a dining hall setting, and participants rarely need to establish eligibility for the service.

Programs that operate during the summer when school is not in session and provide congregate nutritional meals (breakfasts, snacks, lunches and/or dinners) for children and youth. Summer food service programs are generally available to youth age 18 and younger who live in designated low-income areas; and may be federally-funded or funded by other entities.