Is it permissible to give Zakat on wealth as foodstuffs instead of cash, and would it be accepted if the agent buys foodstuffs and distributes them to the needy?

It is obligatory to pay Zakat on money in cash. It is not permissible to give it as in-kind goods unless there is an overriding benefit. If the benefit necessitates it, such as if the poor person is foolish, or if there is an urgent need for food supplies, or if the poor person's need for food is greater, or if the poor person authorizes the agent, then the agent's action is valid. However, if there is no overriding benefit, and the agent acts independently without consulting his principal, then the principal must pay the Zakat in cash again. The agent bears responsibility for his mistake and must return the money to the principal, because he acted without his principal's permission.