Providing a quantity of food as aid (7)
I believe the answer is:
helping
I believe this clue is a quadruple definition!!
'providing' is the first definition.
(helping is a kind of providing)
'a quantity' is the second definition.
(helping is a kind of quantity)
'of' acts as a link.
'food' is the third definition.
The answer and definition can be both things that one consumes for nourishment as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?
'as' acts as a link.
'aid' is the fourth definition.
(synonyms)
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for helping that I've seen before include "Aiding" , "Serving" , "Giving assistance" , "Assisting" , "Portion; giving aid" .)