In Rome, there was the "grain dole", where very cheap and sometimes free wheat flour was available to poor citizens. Public officials used to sponsor public entertainments as a means of appealing to the plebs. That's where "bread and circuses" comes from. 

The Bible is full of references about helping the poor. "If one of your brethren becomes poor and falls into poverty among you, then you shall help him, like a stranger or a sojourner, that he may live with you." -- Leviticus 25:35

"If there is among you a poor man of your brethren, within any of the gates in your land which the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart nor shut your hand from your poor brother, but you shall open your hand wide to him and willingly lend him sufficient for his need, whatever he needs." -- Deuteronomy 15:7-8

Continued