On top of being able to afford this you need to be able to afford
- cooking equipment
- electricity/gas to cook on

You also need access to storage space for food and a cooking appliance.

And the energy/ability to cook. https://twitter.com/dominicfarrell/status/1319945668778205185

It’s not just food. It’s the hidden costs of things to make the food. And having to decide if money goes on food or clothing,toiletries,bus fare, heating,the laundrette. Day after day after day. This isn’t about cooking, budgeting or parenting. It’s about not having enough money.

Also good luck being poor in a pandemic when each time there’s the slightest panic all the low cost pasta and sauce is bulk purchased by people who don’t need it and will most likely not eat it.

If you’re cooking on a restricted budget it is possible but only if the food you need is available when needed and you’ve the time, energy and facility to cook. And with no respite. No take outs. No treats. No deviations from a careful and limited list. This alone is exhausting

Good luck making that pasta meal with the low cost items if the only thing you have to cook with is a kettle.