Under the Charitable Choice provision, states may use direct contracts or voucher systems to provide fundingn to both secular and faith-based organizations for a wide range of services. Food Programs - subsidized meals, food pantries, or training in nutrition, shopping, or food budgeting. The welfare funds are intended to help families become independent, not to promote religion. Ministries need a good plan of action, adequate staff, accountability procedures, and a solid prospect of success. They may not discriminate because of a client's religion.
Clients have the right to sit out religious activities or to choose another provider.
This makes it clear that government is not endorsing any particular religion. By contrast, when clients bring a voucher to pay for a service, there is no religious restriction on the provider's program. Explicitly Christian ministries and even churches without separately incorporated programs are eligible to compete for welfare contracts or to redeem vouchers to provide welfare services. Christian principles and language may be used in working with clients. Ministries may keep their religious standards for hiring and disciplining staff.