Would it be cheaper to abolish food stamps and subsidize soup kitchens instead?

Actually, this kinda thing is already being done. See Faith based Groups law and funding. As far as funding, I rarely see that in Indiana. Buying better food than me that is. In Indiana they family of four gets about $275 bucks a month in food stamps and maybe $250 a week in unemployment. I was on food stamps and ate quite well but then I used my $190 a month very wisely indeed. Coupon clipping etc. Usually saved 72-93% off the list prices. After all, I wasn't working and had all the time in the world to follow every sale watch every coupon. I enjoyed the challenge of getting as much with as little as possible. I no longer am on food stamps and still occionaly enjoy savings game. Matter of fact. I have all the groceries and sundries I need for five months. I will eat steak once a week, ham chicken, pork chops. I will eat and wash myself my house and my clothes along with my partners for just $400 because I work at saving.