Giving the food away instead of plowing it under would not help them.
It would not hurt them either. And being seen by fellow humans helping those in need makes it more likely that when the generous farmer needs a hand, that others will help them.
Raising everyone's standard of living raises everyone's standard of living, but you're afraid someone else might get more than you.
What if Eleanor Roosevelt had wings? -- Monty Python
One important characteristic of a theory is that is has survived repeated attempts to falsify it. Contrary to your understanding, all available evidence confirms it. --Subbie
If evolution is shown to be false, it will be at the hands of things that are true, not made up. --percy
The reason that we have the scientific method is because common sense isn't reliable. -- Taq