The following words and phrases when used in this act shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

“Department.” The Department of Agriculture of the Commonwealth.

“Emergency food provider.” A nonprofit organization which operates a food pantry, soup kitchen, food bank or other program to relieve hunger, undernutrition and food shortages among needy individuals and families, homeless people and victims of domestic violence.

“Program.” The State Food Purchase Program.

“Program participant.” An individual or household which is in need of food assistance to supplement the diet of economically depressed persons to prevent hunger or undernutrition.

“Regional food bank.” A nonprofit charitable organization qualified under the provisions of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (Public Law 99-514, 26 U.S.C. § 1 et seq.) which maintains an established operation involving the provision of food to nonprofit food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters or feeding centers that provide food packages or meals to people in need of food assistance.

“U.S.D.A. commodity programs.” All food which is available through Federal programs.