> It's entirely possible to starve to death while never once wanting for work.

Perhaps on an individual basis, but not in large groups. An economic and social system in which most humans are starving will rapidly collapse, and be replaced - if necessary, through violent revolution - by a system that at least keeps most people fed, assuming there's still sufficient real resources to produce and transport the food.

Food stamps exist not out of genuine compassion for the poor, but because those in power know very well what happens when starvation becomes too widespread.