Which function best describes food recovery programs in the community food-assistance system?

Serve as the exclusive provider of fresh produce to all households regardless of income or need by requisitioning government-owned farms.

Provide long-term entitlement benefits identical to SNAP by issuing monthly debit cards to low-income families without state oversight.

Collect surplus safe food from retailers, restaurants, and bakeries and redistribute it to people in need, reducing waste and supplying items often still fit for consumption.

Operate as the primary federal reimbursement mechanism for school meal programs, issuing vouchers to restaurants to compensate for unsold food.