I’m fairly sure when GP says raw ingredients, they mean things like fresh vegetables and cheap cuts of meat. Fresh vegetables are generally fairly expensive and

I’m fairly sure when GP says raw ingredients, they mean things like fresh vegetables and cheap cuts of meat. Fresh vegetables are generally fairly expensive and cheap cuts of meat are close to nonexistent in food deserts. Staples like rice and beans are only cheap if you buy in bulk, but that requires a hefty capital investment upfront, which is usually impractical to begin with, and time commitment and skill to turn into an enjoyable meal. The time commitment is especially onerous for someone working juggling jobs just to be able to pay rent and generally make ends meet. All of that adds up to what less nutritious alternatives being far cheaper when you account for all the costs and for cash flow and opportunity cost in particular, at least in the short term. The cash flow problem makes it hard to optimize for the long term, so now you’re stuck unless you can invest superhuman effort from an already thoroughly exhausted body.