Praise be to Allaah.
It is not permissible to do that, because what is required
when giving zakaah to the poor and needy is to give them possession of the
zakaah. So they should be given the money, which they may then dispose of
according to what they think is best. This is indicated by the verse in
which Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“As-Sadaqaat (here it means Zakaah) are only for the
Fuqaraa’ (poor), and Al‑Masaakeen (the poor) and those employed to collect
(the funds); and to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined
(towards Islam); and to free the captives; and for those in debt; and for
Allaah’s Cause (i.e. for Mujaahidoon — those fighting in a holy battle), and
for the wayfarer (a traveller who is cut off from everything); a duty
imposed by Allaah. And Allaah is All-Knower, All-Wise”
[al-Tawbah 9:60]
The first four categories mentioned – the poor (fuqara’ and
masaakeen), those employed to collect (the funds) and those whose hearts are
inclined towards Islam – are the ones to whom zakaah belongs. So it is
essential that they be given possession of it, i.e., the zakaah should be
given to them and they should be left to do what they want with it. End
quote from Liqa’ al-Baab al-Maftooh by Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allah have
mercy on him).
Al-Mardaawi al-Hanbali said in al-Insaaf (3/234): It
is stipulated when paying zakaah that the recipient be given possession of,
so it is not permissible to give the poor lunch or dinner (using zakaah
funds). End quote.
And Allah knows best.