The thing is, if you're barely paying people you have to feed them well. It's respect. Food goes a long way. People complain about airline food when they're only on the plane for two hours. Imagine being on the set for 14 hours and getting bagels and pizza (or other cheap food). No way. You can work out catering deals with film caterers, or use local joints, but film caterers are better prepared to deal with film (hours, etc.)
People flying on planes aren't building up their skills, networking, and following their dream as they fly with other individuals all doing the same thing. I just can't relate your correlation.
I'm not sure what 'feed them well' means...but what micro-budget film can afford Whole Foods cold cuts or private catering everyday? Not many...
Trust me, bagels in the morning and pizza in the afternoon makes people very happy. And as long as you mix it up (sometimes Tai take out), people are happy. It's not just what you feed the actors that keeps them happy...it's how you treat them.