Not to get into a complete dialog of The Road, but I think it bares the truth of what American society has become; dependent and unable to fend for themselves. How could you grow when countless are at your door trying to take of what is yours? 1000's of rounds or not, you will still have to sleep at some point. Which means a collective community (NO, not communism) that can fend off hordes of malcontents. I think the bigger piece of The Road is how quickly "society" breaks down.
Nine Meals is my guesstimation.