Can $3 Really Buy a Healthy Meal?
The idea that healthy meals can be had for just $3 has sparked a heated discussion.
The Claim
The Agriculture Secretary, Brooke Rollins, recently claimed that the new food guidelines from the Trump administration allow for affordable, nutritious eating. She mentioned that the USDA ran over 1,000 simulations to back this up.
Rollins gave an example of a meal costing around $3:
- A piece of chicken
- Some broccoli
- A corn tortilla
- Another item
However, many people online were quick to point out the impracticality of buying just one piece of chicken or a single piece of broccoli. Others argued that such meals wouldn't provide enough calories for most adults.
The USDA's Defense
The USDA stood by their claim, stating there are countless meal options that fit the new guidelines without increasing costs. They suggested a day's meals could include:
- Breakfast: Eggs, whole milk, fruit, and whole-grain bread
- Lunch: Canned tuna, cottage cheese, and salad
- Dinner: Roasted chicken, vegetables, and milk
The Reality of Food Costs
But the reality is that food costs are still high. Grocery prices went up by 0.7% in December alone, which is more than twice the overall inflation rate. Some shoppers are even using "buy now, pay later" apps to pay for groceries.
The Expert's Perspective
Joel Berg, CEO of Hunger Free America, agreed that it's possible to cook one healthy meal for $3. But he emphasized that consistently eating healthy, balanced meals for $3 is not easy. He pointed out that eating cheaply often requires:
- Buying food in bulk
- Visiting multiple stores
- Having time, storage space, and transportation, which many low-income families may lack.
Berg also highlighted that healthier food is generally more expensive and takes more time to prepare. He explained that every penny spent on healthcare, childcare, or prescription drugs is less money available for food.
2024 Food Spending Trends
In 2024, the average U.S. household spent more than $10,000 on food, about $27 a day. Spending on meat, poultry, fish, and eggs jumped over 21% from 2023 to 2024, while spending on fruits and vegetables fell.
The New Guidelines
The new guidelines also steer away from highly processed foods with added sugar and salt, which many families rely on because they’re quick and inexpensive. For people using food assistance, the challenge is even greater. The average SNAP benefit is about $6.20 per person per day, and the maximum benefit for a family of four comes out to roughly $8.15 per person per day.
The Political Response
The Democratic National Committee criticized Rollins’s comments, saying the administration is "out of touch" with families facing high costs for food, rent, and healthcare.
