HPNAP Service Types

Food Banks
An organization that distributes food and grocery products from various sources. A food bank may purchase food from funds provided by government agencies or grants, or it may receive food donated by manufacturers, retailers, or individuals. The food bank is responsible for ensuring that all food and grocery products that it receives and distributes comply with industry and regulatory standards. These products are distributed to charitable human service agencies, which provide the products directly to clients.
Food Pantries
A nonprofit organization such as a church or social service agency, that receives donated food items and distributes them to hungry people for preparation at home.
Soup Kitchens
A nonprofit organization such as a church or social service agency, that receives donated food items and provides prepared meals served in a local agency kitchen for hungry people.
Emergency Shelters
A place for people to live temporarily when they cannot live in their previous home, similar to homeless shelters. The main difference is that an emergency shelter typically offers a short term housing solution or may specialize in people fleeing a specific type of situation, such as battered women, victims of domestic violence, or victims of sexual abuse.