[Miss Marple]

To put this in perspective, I try to hold the grocery bill to $100 a week...and that includes pet food and cleaning supplies.

When Mr. Marple is allowed in the store, the sky's the limit. He is the original impulse buyer. My choice is blowing the food budget or getting into a shouting match in the store. I opted for the former, it being Father's Day weekend and all.

[JRandomFreeper]

I remember having food budgets that large. Back when I was employed. ;>)

Now that I'm broke, the dogs are nervous and the cats don't stand still in any one place for very long. Protein being protein and all..... ;>)

/john

[JRandomFreeper]

On a serious note, I have determined that the food-stamp payment (I don't qualify, I'm conservative) is adequate to really feed a family well if someone has a clue about cooking. A 5 pound bag of masa harina de maize and beans is cheap and filling. Add a little mystery meat into the mix.. (I've got my y2k Spam to use up anyway) and some peppers and a few fresh veggies, and you can actually feed a family pretty well. Gardens help.

I think boxed and canned foods are a hold-over from the cold war and not economical in any sense. Macaronni and cheese is way over-priced when you consider the ingredients.

/john