To What Does Bal T'acher Apply?

Does the prohibition of bal t’acher, do not delay, apply only to giving charity to needy individuals or also to serving them a meal? (A subscriber’s question)

In a previous Halacha Yomis, it was noted that a pledge to give tzedakah to the poor must be redeemed immediately whenever there are indigent individuals present seeking financial aid. Failing to do so is a violation of the Torah commandment of bal t’acher. Based on the above, the Chofetz Chaim made a fascinating ruling. If it is raining the first night of Sukkos, it is halachically preferable to delay the meal to wait and see if the rain stops before chatzos (midnight). Nonetheless, if one is hosting guests who are poor, he must serve the guests immediately. Waiting until chatzos is a preference, and not a Halachic imperative. As such, if the host does not offer food to the indigent guests, he will violate the Torah prohibition of bal t’acher (Sha’ar Hatzion, OC, 689:9). Presumably, the Chofetz Chaim viewed the invitation to a poor guest to be tantamount to a commitment or vow to give tzedakah in the form of food, which must be fulfilled without hesitation.