I remember growing up in the 90’s and being acutely aware of the growing minimum wage. I knew no matter what that when I was able to get a job I would be guaranteed “this” amount and always thought about prices and how long I had to work to get something I wanted when I was an adult. Every small bump made it a little mini-celebration like I was getting a future raise that would allow me to have a better life.

Now? Shake and bake costs over 5$, I have to literally work over an hour to buy half a cup of “convenient” seasoned bread crumbs. I could buy the flour, make the bread, and process it to make my own… but now I’m out of time in the day to work enough to actually afford the meat or any other side item. Oh yeah, and at some point I should pay my bills and save for retirement -_-