Is it permissible to give Zakat al-Fitr to a financially needy sister?

Zakat al-Fitr is to be given from the staple food of the people of the land, and it is not permissible to give it in cash according to the majority of scholars. However, some scholars permit this for the sake of expedience, but the more cautious approach is to give it as food. There is no harm for one who gives it in cash, following the opinion of those who permitted it. It is permissible to give Zakat al-Fitr to a poor sister, as long as her maintenance is not obligatory upon the giver of zakat.