[k8sToGo]

If I go to Costco and look at the amount of meat you get per $, I am not sure if we aren't way beyond basic "quality of life, health and happiness."

I am saying this as someone who lived for years in the US and now lives again in Europe.

[ragnot]

It really makes me sad when I go to Costco to buy food. I don't know how people will feed their kids right at these prices honestly.

[handrous]

Rice, beans, block American cheese, stew meat, whichever fruits and veggies are on sale, make your own baked goods. People found ways even when prices were much, much higher relative to incomes. Eat-whatever-you-like-whenever-you-like is not the historic norm for the working class.

Not saying this is a positive development, mind you, but there are whole cuisines designed around these kinds of needs, for good reason. Stretching out meats over multiple dishes, finding ways to use worse cuts, re-using fats, using all those parts most Americans won't eat anymore, but used to. Making stock from veggie scraps so they're not wasted (then using what's left for the garden, if you don't have chickens and/or pigs to recycle it into eggs and meat for you). Food waste should drop as prices go up, as it's largely a convenience thing. Assuming we remember how to really cook....

[ckdarby]

Reduce protein intake to the recommended amount. Rest of meals come from, carrots, onions, potatoes, rice, eggs, flour and beans.

Sticking with the above food is very affordable for the median income.