I just returned home to LA from a 3 month assignment in Vienna.  Even though my US dollar didn't go very far I still managed to eat well.  The food there was in abundance, healthy and reasonable.  When I arrived home a few days ago and went shopping I realized "I can't afford to buy food here in LA".  I have no idea how families manage?  Raising two boys on my own in my younger years was a challenge here in the city, but we made do some how and always seemed to have food in the house.  But this is out of control.  I'm finding myself looking at fruit as a luxury item, not a basic staple.  My concern is I go to a grocery store and come out with nothing for my money.  I use coupons, buy specials and whatever I need to do to save a dollar, but this dollar saved is going nowhere!