I really want an answer to this from people who are not reddit-brained libs. I have seen some good points elsewhere about this contributing to a cycle of abuse and control, causing parents to withdraw their kids from school to beg instead, etc., but if someone is desperate enough to humiliate themselves by begging on the street, shouldn't we give to them? Or should I feel bad that I did give to them?
I'd say whether I've done it part of a group or just randomly when I had extra food and offered it to someone theyve accepted way more than not.
I've been asked if I could buy some chips multiple times. I've bought and ate meals with people.
Maybe it's different in the places I've lived.
Eh having said all that, I've also talked with some people who were able to get food okay but needed money for other basic necessities. You can find food in a dumpster but not a shower or a safe place to sleep.
Some people also need to be mobile and it's a lot easier to haul cash than food.