Maybe it's because I'm in WA - a huge agricultural state. I get Draper Valley Farms whole chickens for 99c/lb on the regular. It's $2.89/lb (already a good pric

Maybe it's because I'm in WA - a huge agricultural state. I get Draper Valley Farms whole chickens for 99c/lb on the regular. It's $2.89/lb (already a good price) when not on sale, but the sale has been happening a couple times a month like clockwork now. The Draper Valley Farms stuff is generally cheaper than the Kroger-branded stuff, no matter the cut. Like right now, boneless thighs are 50c cheaper per lb (no sales). It's $6/lb vs $6.50/lb. Bone-in is $3.79/lb! The Kroger brand doesn't even offer that variety for some reason. A few lbs of that + some orzo (cheap) + some staple produce (shallot, cherry tomatoes, garlic) can make you 6 very filling and delicious meals. When you compare it to fast food, the difference is staggering - definitely a divergence compared to the diff years ago. It's the convenience stuff that is truly spiking. Groceries are definitely a lower % of my income than half a decade ago. The barrier to most people is they can't process a whole chicken.