[3] The Jewish Encyclopedia (1902-1908) says: "This custom of feeding the bahurim by billeting them daily upon the members of the community originated in Poland and spread to Germany.
Through the influence of Elijah Wilna the system was abolished in most Lithuanian yeshibot, and today it is to be found only in certain towns where a few bahurim dwell".
[4] The system had its advantages: it was easy to administer: students or a gabbai made arrangements; there was no need to collect and disburse funds, no need to maintain facilities.
It also created opportunities for hosts: to earn a divine reward, to gain prestige by demonstrating charity, to have a good company, and in some cases to arrange a marriage for a daughter.
[6] The story Eating Days by Lamed Shapiro tells an experience of a poor yeshiva student; in particular it details his weekly schedule of essen teg.