Mercy and giving are among the most fundamental pillars of Islam. Other Muslims who live in the area where such a woman lives are religiously obligated to support her and keep her from resorting to such actions. The fact that people in such difficult situations exist among Muslim populations is something that we should be ashamed of. That having been said, Ibn Hajar explains in his commentary on the Minhaj that because of the serious social repercussions of fornication, it would not be permissible for a woman to engage in it even if it is the only way for her to obtain food.