The basic gist of this argument in the Times article is bogus. They are trying to point to increased Spam sales as a sign that Americans are struggling to put meat on the table. This is BS. As stated in their own article, Spam sells at $3.20 a pound. There are plenty of fine meat choices out there that sell for $3.20 a pound and less - just about everything, in fact (except T-bones, beef tenderloin and fillets).
Sales of Spam are increasing for one simple reason - we are a fat, lazy, unhealthy country overall. We like junk.
Sales of Spam are increasing for one simple reason - shelflife. People suspect that a time is coming soon when that $3.20/lb meat will unaffordable or unavailable due to supply line disruptions.
Hard times a comin' - stock up and prepare to hunker down.