Why not read it with a modicum of charity? Or even just quote the whole sentence? The parent was clearly saying the experience was nothing remotely like poverty, but helped give some perspective on what it might be like to have to regularly think about making money stretch to the next meal. Many people who've had a cushion of savings their whole lives would never consider that experience at all.
Having to think (as in spend any mental effort) about money at all, in the context of regular daily purchases?
I mean it's not anywhere near the level of worrying about where the next meal is coming from, but it is a reminder of one of the many stressors that the poor are constantly dealing with.
Budgeting is always stressful. Having to exert that effort every day on every purchase, instead of weekly/monthly (and only on larger purchases) is a lot of mental energy that could be spent in more productive ways.
That becomes easy to forget sometimes.
Edit: I didn't think this would be controversial... I'm honestly asking, why?