From the April 26, 1906 NYT:

Wholesale grabbing of supplies by elements of the people, while others are in want, has caused the military authorities to order a new system in the distribution of food. Beginning tomorrow kitchens and mess rooms will be established, where meals will be supplied to all who apply, but no food will be given out to be carried away...

"The one perplexing problem that we now have to contend with is the prevention of unequal distribution of food," said Chief of Police Dinan today. "Those of the worst element in the city, we find, are living better than they ever did in their lives, while the unfortunates who have never been accustomed to ask for aid are actually suffering. We are doing all in our power to relieve this condition and hope in a few days to get rid of those who are taking everything in sight."

Hmmm...items of value without well defined property rights tend to be accumulated by the unscrupulous or the "powerful." Sounds about right.

In the case of disassociated children, similar to what happened in the aftermath of Katrina, there are kids travelling with complete strangers in the aftermath of SF:

SALEM, Ore - Gov. Chamberlain sent this telegram to Gov. Pardee of California today:

"Many children and some babies are coming through here unidentified and unaccompanied by any one. Cared for only by strangers. Can they not be gathered together at Oakland and kept together for subsequent identification? As it is they will be forever lost to their parent."