Lack Of Food Is Riot Trigger

The turmoil in Tunisia and Egypt were caused by sharp food price rises. When people can't feed their families they feel like they have nothing to lose by rioting in the streets.

In order to appease the people and keep them from rioting, Kuwait gives away free food:

Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah on Monday ordered the distribution of $4 billion and free food for 14 months to citizens as the oil-rich emirate prepares to mark national occasions.
Each of the 1.12 million native citizens will get 1,000 dinars ($3,572) in cash as well as free essential food items until March 31, 2012 ...

It's not just third world countries or Middle Eastern countries that give away food and money to appease the people. Over 43 million Americans receive free food from the government.