Don't know prices in the US, but, here, $5 probably could get me a loaf of bread, pasta, fresh vedgetables, even some grated cheese, enough for a meal for three or four. And that's not at a discount shop, but, when it comes to pasta and cheese indeed go for the budget product.
(I don't go for budget bread, experience taught me that neither me, nor my daughters finish a supermarket loaf of bread before it is not good to eat anymore)
Here, it's almost $3 just for a loaf of regular bread from the store.
I mostly have bread for 1.70 or 1.80 euro. That's about $2.40 with you. I got lucky, this bakery can't afford higher prices. Supermarkets have bread that is a lot cheaper though.
My girls have these days that they eat massive amounts of bread. Today, almost a whole loaf was gone, without me even noticing. I have put no restrictions on eating bread or fruit (apart from bananas) till a couple of hours before dinner. Rather have them have an occasional "binging" on that than on other stuff. Funny, when they are in a bread "binging" mood, they eat it without any topping.
Back on topic... I'm probably buying another loaf of bread tomorrow.
watching reality shows
realizing that Stacey Peach is too stupid to realize that reality shows are scripted