Just my two cents, it's not a "loan", it's a gift, which is fine. It's your money and you're free to do with it as you please.
But, what's going to happen the next time she's hard up for cash? What if 2/3/6 months down the road it's the same situation and she's bending your ear again. Not in a manipulative way, but just a "hey we're hurting and you really stepped up before" and it becomes awkward if you say "no"
If it were me I wouldn't lend/gift any cash, but I might pick up a grocery tab if you know it'll help. Just say "I know you need some help right now, so let me get you some groceries, no strings attached". If you're comfortable "gifting" a week's groceries every few months that's fair enough, and I think it avoids the slippery slope of "the car just broke, we're behind on our bills, etc etc" Or "Well you gave me money before, why not for this?"
I know you just want to help you friend, but you need to be mindful that you don't just become an enabler & end up in an ongoing situation where there's hurt feelings over why you "lent/gave" money once, but not this month.
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