Originally Posted by Sly

Yes, a lot of systems are set up very weird. Some you need to make absolutely no money, not even a dime, in order to get the assistance.

But regarding your question, to get actual "official help" it takes a lot of time for it to start working. If these people need to eat today, they need to find food elsewhere. Food banks are one of the resources, but perhaps these people are simply short on money this week and will have it next week to pay back the loan.