There are some logistics involved if you buy fresh food, to cook what you have before it spoils. If you're already running an attention deficit (single parent,

There are some logistics involved if you buy fresh food, to cook what you have before it spoils. If you're already running an attention deficit (single parent, multiple kids, multiple jobs, health problems, ailing parents, dirty house), then "oh, just buy raw roughage and plan/improvise yummy meals!" really isn't a winning suggestion. So that parent goes to KFC and gets a family meal. On sale. The "it's cheaper to eat fresh" people don't really address that use case. Historically, the mother would be the homemaker, probably live in a multi-generational home (or neighborhood), and have many children so there would help with food prep and chores. Most people were in agriculture, so many fresh ingredients were literally right there. Also, homes used to be simpler and less immaculate.