Special foods for Rosh Hashanah. Night 1 Apple dipped in honey. Not before meal but after Kiddush and Hamotzie. Night 2 have a new fruit and say "shehechyanu" Before meal right after kiddush. Explains the difference.
Before Rosh Hashanh would not be a good sign to publicize that there are poor people. The bottom line is that would do need to help and make sure that everyone has a beautiful Yom Tov.