Yes, exactly right. There are many foods that can give you inexpensive calories and protein. E.g. black beans and rice. Bags of rice and beans and potatoes and

Yes, exactly right. There are many foods that can give you inexpensive calories and protein. E.g. black beans and rice. Bags of rice and beans and potatoes and similar are so cheap that they are practically free. It's the fresh fruit and produce that's expensive, relatively speaking. You have to keep an eye out for whats on sale or in season. Where people often go wrong is in buying expensive junk food. Potato chips cost $3 a bag around here. Same with a package of Oreos. Ridiculous.