What is the scriptural duty of a householder regarding feeding ascetics, as described in the text?

Chapter 9 outlines a strict scriptural injunction for householders concerning food. It states that the master of a household should first offer a portion of any food cooked in their home to ascetics and celibates. If a householder consumes the food themselves without first offering a share, they begin to incur the need for penance. This is because the scriptures have designated householders as the providers for ascetics, who are forbidden from engaging in the labor of cooking to fill their stomachs. This act of giving is meant to achieve the householder's own welfare.