All of these agencies form the network of community feeding programs that serve some 8 million meals a month to hungry New Yorkers, with food provided by Food For Survival. These packages are designed to provide nutritionally balanced meals. Pantries are a key source of emergency food security for the working poor, and for those whose food stamp benefits run out before month's end. Many pantries provide additional services, such as clothes distribution and referrals to social service agencies. These programs serve walk-ins looking for a hot meal, the only meal of the day for many of them.
Most soup kitchens serve a full, balanced meal, and offer meals to the homebound, as well.
The larger soup kitchens are serving as many as 5000 meals a week. Some centers have food pantries to provide food for the children's families. Like day-care centers, many senior centers supply emergency food packages to their guests, providing for seniors when the center is not open. Shelters provide temporary housing for homeless families, singles, and battered women. These include residential and outpatient programs that provide rehabilitation services to substance abusers.