The Lunch Box is a unique service for the people we serve from Programs For People, Inc. The program has been operating for over 20 years as both a food service provider and a rehabilitation modality. Currently, it provides breakfast and lunch for people we serve and staff to buy at Programs For People, Inc., and employs about ten people who work a maximum of ten hours per week, utilizing the other services of Programs For People, Inc., during the hours that they are not scheduled to work. Roles include customer service, food preparation, cooking, cashiering, and cleaning, and the possibility of "moving up" to assume the role of "Assistant Manager." 

People we serve may be referred to Mental Health Day Treatment or Project Advance, afterwards, they may be considered for admittance to The Lunch Box. The application process for people we serve includes completing a job application, taking a Skills and Barriers Inventory, and participating in a Transition Meeting with staff to plan for their goals for use of The Lunch Box.

As a Lunch Box employee, employees prepare and deliver food "to go" for people we serve and staff within the agency. Workers learn to identify their strengths and recognize issues that may be barriers to employment at jobs in the community. Aside from receiving monetary compensation for working, there are many positive benefits associated with employment: gaining work experience, improved self-esteem, increased motivation for work, a sense of being a contributing member of society, social contacts, and confidence in their abilities.