I think it might be a problem in bigger cities? I mean the n% percentage is big enough where I currently live, but it all depends on local situation. (if you never heard it, it probably means it is a lot more unlikely actually).

I did the food buying thing in DC, where buying food was generally acceptable (the neighborhood I lived in really had a lot of homeless people especially toward the end) but what you described about Berkeley is interesting.

either way

That's true, but if someone is moralizing about the money, I think it's safe to assume they aren't worried about this :-)

fully agreed with this. :)