Lord Sri Krishna replied,
annadau jaladash chaiva
Aturash cha chikithsakah
trvidhaM svargam AyAti
vinA yajnena bhAratah
“Oh son of BhArata, those who give food grains, drinking water,
or medicine to the needy go to heaven without performing any sacrifice
or undergoing austerity.” (MahAbhArata)
Also, Krishna states
in Bhagavad GitA (BG 3:14.) annAd bhavanti bhUtAni: “All beings subsist
on food grains.” Therefore a gift of food grains is said to be the topmost
charity. Moreover, if the food is prasAdam, sanctified eatables prepared
for and offered to Lord Sri Krishna with devotion, then it awards the recipient
liberation from the material world.