Does giving charity to beggars in the street—while trying to conceal it—count as a hidden charity? And is it better to give them money or food?

Charity is considered secret if no one knows about it except the giver and the recipient, and it is better because it preserves the dignity of the poor person. This is indicated by several hadiths, among them the hadith of Abu Dharr: "Three types of people are loved by Allah… a man who came to a people and asked them by Allah, but they refused him, so a man followed them from behind and gave him charity secretly, so none knew of his giving except Allah and the one he gave to." As for what is better for the poor, whether it is money or food, what is considered is that which brings him the greatest benefit. If food is more beneficial, then it is better, otherwise, money is better because it enables him to buy what he needs.