One way would to give giftcards to your local grocer or take care of a specific bill with account information in hand.
I'm unfamiliar with friends asking for loans and cash for necessities unless romantically involved and even at that those are rather socialized lines most people have that they don't cross.
If you want to help mentor her into budget conscious financial habits then the discussion isn't too far fetched nor inappropriate.
Cash to me and where I come from can be considered a red flag for substance abuse. No sense enabling that.