Maybe it's simpler to put it into an example: if there are exactly 3 loaves of bread on the only grocery store's shelf, then handing 100 locals $1,000 each doe

Maybe it's simpler to put it into an example: if there are exactly 3 loaves of bread on the only grocery store's shelf, then handing 100 locals $1,000 each does nothing to ensure that everyone will get fed. In that case, perhaps it makes more sense to use that money to deliver a large truck full of food to everyone. So it's important to have a clear idea of what is and isn't needed when trying to help people and that can depend very strongly on the circumstances they face.