Crossword Genius

Prevented a G-man from starving (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

fed

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'prevented' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with social activities as well as being past participle verbs.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'a g-man from starving' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'man' could be 'ed' (short for Edward) and 'ed' is found in the answer.
A single letter 'f' remains which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for fed that I've seen before include "American cop" , "Given sustenance" , "Given food to eat" , "US agent" , "Nourished" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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