<p>"Those food prices, which are significantly less than the $4500 listed in the chart, are not taking into account the “bulk rate” a family would be paying. "</p>
<p>I agree.</p>
<p>A family that is watching their pennies and has “big eaters” is going to Club stores and buying in bulk. you can get a ton of eggs, hamburger meat, cheese, staples, bread, pasta, pasta sauces, beans, potatoes, frozen veggies, etc, for a fraction of regular grocery store prices. </p>
<p>My mom used to say, “I can tell my Ds that I can’t afford to buy them more clothes, but I can’t tell my 4 boys that I can’t afford to feed them.” So, my mom cooked from scratch. If Costco had existed in the 60s/70s, my mom would have been shopping there on a regular basis. </p>
<p>A family trying to stretch a budget is likely going to be cooking a lot of chicken (purchased whole then cut up), hamburger, pasta, etc. Their menus will be meatloaf, spaghetti, roasted chix, hearty soups/stews, chilis, and so forth. They’re not spending $3k per person per year on food.</p>